The Dangers of Not Having a Construction Safety Program

Few workplaces are as inherently hazardous as construction sites. Depending on your trade, risks can range from falls to electrocutions.

With the pressure of project deadlines, budgeting constraints and the labor shortage, many contractors may feel like prioritizing safety is just an additional burden. However, contractors who don’t use construction safety software open themselves up to a range of severe consequences not only for themselves but for their crew.

Let’s explore some of the most common dangers that can be found when contractors neglect to implement a construction safety solution.

Key Takeaways

• There are many hazards in construction. Not having safety standards to ensure worker safety is a major concern.
• Having poor safety rules or the absence of safety training programs increases the chance of construction workers being injured.
• Companies can face severe consequences like increased insurance costs, loss of business, and regulatory and possible legal consequences.
• SafetyHQ is a leader in construction safety management. It is an extremely affordable, easy way to help you implement safety guidelines to keep your workforce safe and avoid safety issues on a construction site.

The Risks of Not Having Safety Practices

Even if you’ve never had an incident on a jobsite., all it takes is one accident to send your company into trouble. The reality of construction work is that hazards are as common as people.

Crew Injuries

When contractors fail to implement a safety solution, their crew is immediately put at a greater risk for injuries. Disregarding the importance of safety protocols drastically increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the jobsite. In fact, studies done by the American Society of Safety Engineers indicate that employers can save $4-$6 for every $1 invested in an effective workplace safety program.

From falling objects and heavy machinery accidents to slips, trips, and falls, construction sites are dense with potential safety hazards. When contractors don’t put a comprehensive safety program into place, their workers are more likely to experience events that can injure them. We’re talking about everything from minor cuts and scrapes to severe, life-altering incidents, like the loss of skin, a finger, or a life.

Workplace injuries are on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of fatal falls, slips and trips in the construction industry increased 5.7% over the previous year.

Not only do these incidents put the well-being of the crew in jeopardy, but they can disrupt project timelines and result in medical costs for the company. A dedicated safety program can help mitigate jobsite hazards and give you the tools needed to keep your crew safe.

Higher TRIR Rate and Increased Insurance Costs

Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) is a key metric used by construction companies to gauge their safety performance. If contractors don’t prioritize the safety of their crew, they can end up with a higher TRIR rate.

This metric publicly indicates that the company experiences a greater number of workplace incidents. This can not only tarnish a company’s reputation but can also lead to increased insurance premiums.

Insurance providers often look at companies with poor safety records as “high-risk,” meaning they expect them to have a higher number of claims, and therefore charge increased insurance premiums.

This is just another way that failing to have a safety program not only endangers lives, but also impacts a contractor’s bottom line. With a safety program in place, contractors can easily implement safety measures that will keep both their TRIR rate and their insurance costs low.

Lost Job Opportunities

When a construction company has a subpar reputation for safety, they put themselves at risk of losing out on lucrative job opportunities.

Today’s job market in the construction industry is as competitive as ever, and clients are beginning to consider safety when selecting contractors for projects. When a company has a history and a reputation of frequent accidents and safety violations, they are unlikely to be awarded contractors over competitors with better safety records.

When safety is neglected, contractors don’t just jeopardize their current construction projects but actively undermine their future business prospects, leading to lost revenue and market share. With a safety program in place, contractors can show clients that they value safety, ultimately helping them to secure more jobs.

Reduced Profit

With material shortages, everyone knows the costs of goods have increased. As a result, many contractors are hesitant to invest in what they believe to be unnecessary or inessential solutions.

It’s important to note that, contrary to common belief, investing in a comprehensive safety program doesn’t detract from profits but helps to safeguard them. Accidents and injuries can lead to downtime, increased insurance premiums, and even potential legal fees. All of these costs add up quickly, detracting from the company’s profit margin.

Negative press surrounding accidents and injuries can ruin a company’s reputation, driving away potential clients and impacting revenue in the long run. When contractors invest in their safety program, they are protecting their bottom line and ensuring sustainable business growth.

Legal and Regulatory Consequences

If contractors don’t comply with safety regulations, it can lead to severe legal repercussions.

Construction companies are obligated to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s standards to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers. Contractors failing to comply with OSHA and its ever-changing regulations can incur significant fines, lawsuits, and even project shutdowns. When accidents result from negligence on the company’s part, it can lead to criminal charges against the construction business and its management, ruining the business beyond repair.

A comprehensive safety program can help a contractor to remain compliant at all times, ensuring they sidestep this risk entirely.

Consider SafetyHQ®, Your All-In-One Solutions For Construction Safety Management

From injuries and increased TRIR rates to lost opportunities, reduced profit, and legal consequences, contractors should be highly motivated to prioritize workplace safety. All of these risks can be managed effectively with a comprehensive construction safety solution.

Contractors looking for a safety solution should consider SafetyHQ, an all-in-one construction safety software app that addresses all facets of safety management. With great features like Toolbox Talks in English and Spanish to keep your crew informed and engaged and Jobsite Hazard Assessments and Inspections to help you identify and control risks, SafetyHQ has everything contractors need to manage an effective safety program and decrease potential hazards.

Neglecting jobsite safety isn’t just irresponsible, it’s detrimental to the well-being of construction employees and to the reputation and financial stability of the company.

By investing in construction safety software like SafetyHQ, contractors can protect their workers, enhance their reputation, and safeguard their profits in the long run.