One of the most common problems we notice when we visit construction sites or work with contractors in the construction industry, particularly with the smaller contractors, is the lack of formal written safety and training programs.

When asked why they do not have them we get various excuses such as “the programs are not for small contractors,”   “we do not have time to develop the programs and train our employees,” “OSHA will never inspect us.”  

Not the case!   Let me start with some basic facts that can be found on the OSHA web site:

In fiscal year 2003, OSHA inspectors accomplished 39,798 inspections.   9,025 (22.7%) of these inspections were initiated because of employee complaints to OSHA of unsafe working conditions or as a result of a serious injury or death of an employee on a work related accident.   22,426 (56.3%) of these inspections were accomplished in what OSHA considers a “High Hazard” working environment.   8347 (21%) of these inspections were accomplished as a result of referrals, follow-up inspections, etc.   Approximately 23,000 (60%) of the 39,798 inspections were accomplished in the construction industry.   In total, over 83,000 violations were found and over 82 million dollars in penalties were levied!

The OSHA website states “OSHA seeks to assist the majority of employers who want to do the right thing while focusing its enforcement resources on sites in more hazardous industries - especially those with high injury and illness rates. Strong enforcement has helped to increase reported violations by nearly 8 percent while helping to drop the number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace to its lowest point ever in 2002.”

How does this affect you?   As an employer, you can’t afford to ignore safety and health regulations.    The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 placed the responsibility for the safety and health of all American workers directly with their employers.   Listed below are some excerpts from 29 CFR Part 1926, OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry to help put this all in perspective and give you an idea of where the guidance comes from:  

1926.20(a)(1) - “for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating, that no contractor or subcontractor for any part of the contract work shall require any laborer or mechanic employed in the performance of the contract to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to his health or safety.”

1926.20(b)(1) - “It shall be the responsibility of the employer to initiate and maintain such programs as may be necessary to comply with this part.”

1926.20(b)(2) - “Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers.”

1926.20(b)(4) - “The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery.”

1926.21(b)(1) - “The employer should avail himself of the safety and health training programs the Secretary provides.”

1926.21(b)(2) - “The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.”

So as you can see, safety programs are not just a good idea, they are required!   Also, as a side note, the insurance industry as a whole has recognized the benefits of formal safety programs as they companies with formal safety programs in place tend to have a much lower accident/incident rate.   In fact, many of you have already noticed the requirements put on you by your insurance companies and other contractors to have and produce your safety programs to include safety training records for your employees.

So now what?   There are basically 3 ways to tackle this problem.   First, you can hire a full time safety professional for your staff.   Unfortunately for many of the smaller companies this is not an option as they can’t justify the cost of a full time safety employee.  

Second, you can hire a “Safety Consulting” company to come out and help you develop a formal safety program.   Safety consultants can do a variety of things for your company.   Typical safety consultants will help develop safety programs, provide safety training, perform “mock” OSHA inspections, serve as part time Directors of Safety for you, develop emergency procedures, and numerous other safety related functions.   The major problem with using safety consultants is depending on how much help you need, the cost of using a safety consultant could be very expensive.   And from my experience, everybody is excited when the consultant is on site, but once they leave, the programs tend to gather dust and the enthusiasm starts to fade when nobody is there to keep pushing safety.

Lastly, and an area I recommend to most people, DO IT YOURSELF!   To quote a very old phrase “knowledge is power”.   The strongest safety programs I have reviewed come from companies that design, develop, and implement their own programs.   As an employer you have a vested interest in the safety of your company.   The only way to ensure safety is a priority in your company is to have an understanding of what is required.  

Safety does not have to be a difficult area.   Most of the standards are clearly written and despite what you might hear, easily followed.   To make it easy for small businesses OSHA offers an extensive website at www.osha.gov that includes a special section devoted to small businesses as well as interactive eTools to help employers and employees address specific hazards and prevent injuries.   The website provides the regulations you need, various written safety programs, safety checklists, as well as a host of other valuable information.  

At Nationwide Safety Consultants, Inc., we specialize in helping companies develop effective, easy to follow safety programs that are designed to be implemented using existing personnel and resources.   If we can be of any assistance in answering any of your safety related questions, please give us a call at (877) 746-3433 or visit or website at www.nationwidesafety.com .