Workplace accidents are rampant in all industries today. But construction is among the ones where the risk of mishaps runs high. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, missed work due to injuries and injuries among construction workers is significantly higher than in other sectors. A holistic construction site safety management program, therefore, becomes a crucial element for every project.
If you run a construction business, safety should not be an afterthought; in fact, it must be a top priority. Successful companies make it a part of the QA and QC construction processes and other aspects of the quality of work and deliverables. Apart from going the extra mile with precautions and inspections, you must not think twice about the technology investments that enhance on-site safety. Here are some reasons why safety is a worthwhile investment for your business.
High risk of injuries and fatalities
Construction projects are rife with risks, with accidents happening because of slips and falls, falling from a height, electrocution, being struck by an object, and getting crushed by heavy machinery. Referred to as the fatal four, these risks have high rates of fatalities as well. While your workforce is always at risk, visitors can also get injured when they are on the project site. Considering these threats that are an integral part of sites, businesses must go the extra mile with construction site safety management from start to end.
Accidents may lead to disruption
Accidents can lead to disruption of work, which is another reason you should not go slack with site safety throughout the project. It is the last thing you will want to happen because even minor delays can topple the budgets and stretch the timelines. You may end up losing millions if you dishonour the deadlines and budget defined in the contracts. Additionally, you may also lose clients when projects get delayed or go beyond the budget estimates.
Litigation is a serious concern
The implications of accidents on sites extend beyond financial losses and business disruption. When people get injured as the site safety management program is up to the mark, the liability falls on your business. You can expect lawsuits from victims, whether workers or visitors and the compensation may run high in value. Moreover, lawsuits affect your reputation as an employer and business in the long haul. The labour will be unhappy, and clients will not be willing to work with your company, just because they no longer consider it reliable enough.
Non-compliance can land you in trouble
Not complying with health and safety regulations can land you in trouble, even if no mishaps occur on the project site. If your business does not have proper safety management according to the industry’s regulatory norms, the authorities will take action against your company. You may have to pay massive penalties and even halt the project as long as they deem necessary. Implementing a safety program is a worthy initiative as it can save you from these issues and ensure that projects run seamlessly.
Safety boosts team morale
A proper construction site safety management program on-site can boost the morale of your team. It indicates that you value the well-being of your workers. A happier workforce is more productive, and results show up in the quality of the project. People end up working harder and adhering to deadlines. Absenteeism rates are lower as people are healthier and injuries are reduced to the minimum. Moreover, you also experience higher retention rates as people want to stick with a company that cares for their safety. Risk management on project sites fosters a culture of employee well-being, which attracts the best talent in the industry for your company.
Considering the immense benefits of a safety program, it is something you should not miss out on at any cost. Fortunately, implementing one is easier than you imagine. You need to invest in safety training for the employees and ensure regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment. An advanced construction management software solution can take the program a step ahead by facilitating better communication and collaboration on the project site. Construction safety is not a choice, so you must embrace the right approach from day one.
Summary
When it comes to making your construction business a success, going the extra mile with safety on project sites can make all the difference. Here are some valid reasons that make construction safety a wise investment for every company.
Author Bio
The author is a senior project QA specialist with a leading construction company based in India. He is also an avid reader and writer and frequently contributes to industry-leading blogs and publications.
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