As construction business owners and safety professionals know, safety is a top concern in the construction industry, and for good reason. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. in terms of worker injuries and fatalities. Additionally, between September 2021 and October 2022, OSHA conducted 399 inspections of commercial and institutional building contractors, resulting in 810 citations and total fines of almost $2.9 million.

 Establishing an effective safety program not only satisfies OSHA requirements but also promotes employee well-being, protects company financial health, and increases competitiveness on project bids. With our R.E.A.L. Safety program, contractors can develop a robust safety program using four key components:

• Rules
• Education
• Audits/Inspections
• Liability

Each component is discussed in detail in the white paper, but here is a brief overview:

Rules – Create a Company-Specific Safety Manual. A written safety manual serves as the basis of any construction safety program and should outline management’s minimum expectations for maintaining a safe and compliant work site.

Education – Train Employees on Safety Rules and Procedures. Employees must understand the rules before they can follow them. Contractors must spend an appropriate amount of time reviewing the rules in detail at the time of hire and explaining the consequences of noncompliance.

Audits/Inspections – Regularly Inspect the Work Site for Compliance. Regularly inspecting the work site for compliance with safety rules is critical to a comprehensive safety program. Audits should be conducted by experienced safety professionals who can identify potential hazards and take corrective action.

Liability – Minimize Risk Exposure in Case of an Accident. Limiting a contractor’s liability in case of an accident is an essential part of any safety program. Contractors should have proper insurance coverage and a plan in place to address accidents when they occur.

Don't let safety concerns put your workers or your business at risk. Download our white paper today and start implementing the four keys of R.E.A.L. Safety to create a comprehensive safety program that protects your employees, your business, and your bottom line.