Safety Overview

Introduction:

The following documents and information are recommended as a guide for establishing your own safety program. It is your responsibility to ensure that your policy meets federal, state, and local requirements.

The construction industry has one of the highest accident rates of any industry.  From the unfinished nature of a project site, to the tools used, to materials and fastener needed, to the demolition of parts of the existing structure, there are dangers everywhere. It is important that everyone in your company takes safety seriously.

Why everyone, why not just the field personnel?  Safety starts at the top.  You, the owner, need to understand how an unsafe environment affects your business.

1. All accidents affect your greatest asset, your employees.  Injuries will cause project delays, lost man hours/days, increased material costs, and more. The worst-case scenarios involve death or permanent injury.  
2. Accidents affect your next greatest asset, your client.  While not usually directly hurt in an accident, accidents usually cause damage to the client’s property and their confidence in you.  Insurance will cover the monetary value, but what about the sentimental value?
3. An unsafe work environment reduces productivity and worker morale.
4. Accidents will cause your insurance premiums to increase and make it more difficult to change carriers.  Too many accidents can put you on OSHA’s radar screen.
5. Accidents open you and your company to law suits.  Even if you are cleared of any penalties from a lawsuit, you probably have lost many hours and dollars defending your company.  This time and money could be better spent improving your company’s safety practices and purchasing new, safer equipment, as well as growing your company.

As you can see, accidents affect you and your business in many ways, none of them positive.  

Safety Culture

You should develop a company culture of safety.  This starts with the hiring process.  You want to hire personnel who feel that safety is as important as anything else is.  

Next, regular safety meetings and inspections are recommended.  At each team meeting, a portion should be reserved for safety training or discussions.  When inspections of vehicles are performed, vehicle cleanliness is only one aspect of the inspection.  Check tires, mirrors, lights and fluids to be sure they are in the proper condition.  Next, check company-supplied tools to be sure all safety parts are still attached and operational Job site visits should include inspections for safe practices and proper use of chemicals, including adhesives, solvents and paints.

The responsibility of safety again starts at the top.  Direct responsibility should be with the owner in the beginning.  As your company grows, you can delegate it to another employee by designating them the Safety Coordinator. Still, each person, management, production and sales, should take safety as their own responsibility.

Tool Safety

Your employees should be instructed in the proper care usage and safety of each tool.  Each tool should be periodically inspected, not only to be sure the tool is still in the company’s possession, but is still in good working condition.  Be sure to check all safety parts are working and any safety equipment, such as eye and ear protection still accompanying the tool, are also in working condition.  This may necessitate your employees to bringing the tools and equipment to the office, or trips to the various project sites.

Safety Program

You will need to develop a safety program that will meet the rules set by OSHA and your local jurisdiction. Your first resource should be the OSHA website at www.OSHA.gov or www.osha.gov/oshprogs/consult.html