Key Safety Program Elements for Contractors

by Robert Gosnell

The cost of insurance is a major expense for contractors today. Contractors that reduce their costs by creating effective safety programs will have a competitive advantage. Avoiding accidents translates into lower costs, jobs completed on schedule, and higher profits.

There is not one safety program that is right for all contractors. The size, management style, and type of operation must all be considered when designing the program. Safety programs that incorporate the following 12 elements, however, will achieve the most measurable results:

Management Support And Direction

Top management needs to frequently communicate safety expectations throughout the company and actively participate in the safety program.

Designated Safety Director

Although it is critical to have a designated safety director--which may not be a full-time job based on the contractor's size and the complexity of safety issues--this does not relieve supervisors or employees of their individual safety responsibilities.

Safety Preplanning

Operations need to be reviewed during all phases of the bidding and construction processes to ensure control of anticipated hazards.

Control Accident Hazards

Every contractor should set standards for what is appropriate for safe employee behavior as well as establish criteria for controlling physical hazards.

Employee Training

All employees must receive ongoing safety training, with job site safety orientation training being the most critical.

Accident Investigation

All accidents must be properly investigated to determine how they can be prevented in the future.

Job Site Inspection

A mandatory, scheduled program for self-inspections should exist and include procedures for correcting deficiencies.

First Aid

There should be a person trained in first aid at each job site, and emergency procedures and telephone numbers should be clearly posted.

Public Liability Control Plan

Liability accidents are less numerous than employee accidents for most contractors. However, they can be extremely costly and damaging to relationships and image. The safety program needs to address controlling accidents involving the public, surrounding structures, and personnel on the job site who are not employees.

Fleet Safety Plan

Management must ensure that employees driving on company business have valid driver's licenses as well as understand and practice safe driving principles.

Property Loss Control Plan

The safeguarding of equipment, materials, and the premises from fire, theft, and vandalism is an essential element of a total safety program.

Periodic Audit

Losses should be reviewed annually to measure the program's effectiveness.

Robert Gosnell is assistant vice president and product manager of Contracting and Transportation Services in Liberty Mutual's Loss Prevention department, Boston, MA.