As a responsible construction business leader, you place a priority on the security of both your work sites and team members. You’ve taken steps to create and maintain a culture of safety in your organization, and have made it clear that cutting corners isn’t an option. Still, accidents can and do happen, and the consequences can be devastating.In fact, more than 1,700 work site deaths were reported nationwide in 2017, according to weekly data compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These sobering statistics demonstrate the ever-present potential for disaster at workplaces across the country.Thankfully, there are ways to safeguard your construction business from a variety of external threats. Get started with this advice:
Know the RisksUnique among other fields, construction presents potentially-hazardous conditions not found in other work sites. For example, an office worker is unlikely to encounter harmful chemicals, or risk being struck by a falling object. Given this distinction, it’s important to first recognize the major risks involved with the industry.Depending on your specific concentration, possible construction site risks include:
- hearing loss due to improper hearing protection
- respiratory complications due to poor ventilation (or exposure to chemical fumes)
- slip and fall accidents and falling from elevated structures
- exposed wires and electrical malfunction
- accidents involving construction vehicles and moving objects
You’ll likely encounter other risky scenarios as you inspect and review each individual work site.
Make Safety a Priority Creating and maintaining a thorough security plan lays the foundation for long-term safety. It’s also wise to practice daily vigilance. That includes:
- identifying potential hazards
- minimizing the possibility for “close call” situations
- reviewing inspection reports and OSHA regulations
- and more
Once you’ve laid this ground work, you can move forward with a game plan that prioritizes potential hazards (and how best to remedy them). Then, you should regularly evaluate necessary changes and revisions to your overall safety plan.
Set Team Member ExpectationsA major part of building and maintaining a solid culture of safety in your construction business is through comprehensive employee training. Ensure all workers are fully aware of the proper methods to complete tasks, safety regulations and emergency procedures, and their specific roles in fulfilling the company’s ongoing commitment to workplace security.Next, guarantee that all workers are aware of their rights. No one should be in a position where they feel they must perform work with which they’re not comfortable simply out of fear of being fired. In many states, employees have a right to refuse potentially-hazardous work functions without negative repercussions (such as termination).In addition, injured employees can sue to receive hazard pay following an on-site incident. This can occur even though having such a plan is not a legal requirement. Many law firms specialize in personal injury/wrongful death, and are always on the lookout for a prospective lawsuit. Even if you win the case, simply being called to court could be costly and harmful to your reputation.
Secure Comprehensive Insurance CoverageAs you focus on the growth and prosperity of your construction business, you also want to ensure the security and well-being of all employees, protection of equipment, and other considerations. Along with the mentioned tips, it’s important to continually seek and implement improvements to your safety plan. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is with comprehensive construction insurance. This safeguard helps protect you from structural damage and team member injury/illness.Since 1964, we’ve helped people across the country obtain valuable peace of mind through a variety of insurance coverage. That includes business and commercial, homeowners, automobile, flood insurance, risk management, and more. Contact Demont Insurance Agency today to discover all of the beneficial insurance options available to you.
