Despite stricter OSHA regulations and the scrutiny placed on the construction industry, construction sites remain some of the most dangerous places to work. As Atlanta trial attorneys who specialize in construction and industrial accident cases, we at Pope & Howard, P.C. come face-to-face with the consequences of ineffective, poorly enforced safety programs on a regular basis.
In order for the construction industry to shed its stigma and actively prevent injuries, employers must learn from the job sites and construction firms that are exceeding safety standards. Below are some of the qualities and habits of the safest construction companies.
Attitudes toward health and safety often come from the top. When senior management adheres to and operates according to accepted safety regulations, accidents are less likely to occur on the job site. These construction firms also encourage workers to report unsafe conditions and take an active role in company safety.
Site specific health and safety plans (HASP) offer comprehensive, detailed information, which typically includes basic OSHA requirements, safety rules, emergency action plans, and other specific instructions that help to create a culture of safety on the job site.
These site specific safety plans are often enacted before construction begins; studies have shown that carefully analyzing possible safety hazards and assigning responsibility for various safety tasks prior to construction is an effective means of preventing injury on the job site.
The safest construction sites don’t just implement safety programs—they measure, track, and analyze their effectiveness. According to the SmartMarket Report entitled “Safety Management in the Construction Industry,” 77% of general contractors believe that safety audits are key to a world-class construction site safety program.
Construction firms that thoroughly integrate and implement safety protocol have reported increased ROI, decreased project budgets, and drastically reduced injury rates.
As a construction worker or contractor, you should know where your company stands when it comes to health and safety standards. If you feel that your employer values productivity over job site safety, it may be time to reconsider your place of work.
Pope & Howard, P.C. is one of metro Atlanta’s leading construction accident firms. Both Marc Howard and Geoff Pope have handled the cases of those injured on the job site with proven results.
Call (866) 910-0642 or contact Pope & Howard, P.C. today to schedule an initial consultation.