By Steve Latham, UFG Risk Control Technical Manager
 
The construction industry, risk management professionals and other safety advocates come together in early May to observe Construction Safety Week. 
 
This annual observation highlights safety-related topics that impact construction — like proactively identifying potential hazards and taking timely actions to help avoid injuries — because no matter what your craft, people are the heartbeat of the jobsite’s safety culture. 
 
It’s human talent, skill and ingenuity that get the job done. So, it makes sense that those same people have a key role in building and modeling a jobsite culture of safety. Here are four simple steps companies can consider when empowering employees to create safer construction crews.

1. Encourage open and honest conversations. 

Ask your crew to discuss any possible risks or hazards they’ve observed at work. Talking with one another sooner rather than later creates the chance to address matters before the workday begins. Morning toolbox talks are a great place to start. 
 
Reiterate the value of open, honest and constructive conversations. Remind crew members about one-on-one opportunities to voice concerns so those who are typically quiet in group settings have an outlet for speaking up. When people feel heard — and know they can share without fear of repercussion — they may be more apt to freely talk about workplace safety issues.

2. Make sure crew members understand Stop Work Authority.

While companies work hard to mitigate risks ahead of time, some perils can’t be predicted.  Remind crews about Stop Work Authority: the empowerment of every employee to halt work and act in response to imminent danger. 
 
Dedicate learning time to this vital occupational safety philosophy so team members understand how to respond in sudden, serious situations. When employees know how to identify exposures and take corrective action, they may be more likely to avoid injury.

3. Show appreciation for a job well done.

Rewarding and recognizing safety-dedicated workers can contribute to a sense of pride and camaraderie on the job, improving attention to detail. Don’t underestimate the value of applauding success. 
 
Seek out meaningful ways of showing appreciation when safety protocols and plans have been consistently followed resulting in a job completed without injury. Whether kudos during a toolbox talk or special awards at a banquet, find ways to celebrate the people who model outstanding attention to risk management. 

4. Offer regular training opportunities.

It’s easy to fall into routines, but don’t let those routines become dated. Be sure to offer your construction workers access to training opportunities that can keep their skills sharp. 
 
Your insurance carrier’s risk control team may offer great training resources to tap for your specific craft. At UFG Risk Control, for example, we welcome our construction policyholders to turn to us for holistic consultative services, which include thought leadership solutions for emerging threats and access to digital resources that support safety, resiliency and sustainability. 

Celebrate safety all year long

Construction Safety Week creates an intentional opportunity to reflect on your construction company’s risk management strategies but, remember, maintaining a culture of safety on the jobsite is something to observe all year long. If you’re a UFG policyholder, be sure to reach out to your UFG Risk Control consultant for helpful consultation.