A lot has changed since a group of construction workers were photographed eating their lunch atop a steel beam over New York City In 1932. Still, some twenty percent of workplace fatalities happen in the construction industry. One way to protect yourself is by having a partner that does everything possible to avoid OSHA violations (Illinois has its own Division of Occupational Safety and Health) – but that is just the beginning when it comes to creating safe environments on work sites.
How Design Expertise Protects Buildings
Naturally, safety starts with the plan itself. Design teams can accomplish wonders using lighter materials, smarter technology, and time-tested methods that promise the structural security people expect today. One prime example of this is the way designers and architects engineer modern day skyscrapers so they are protected from powerful winds. An important change came when engineers started clustering steel columns and beams at the core of structures, leaving interior spaces that can function as an elevator shaft. Now, girders and columns are connected in such a way that buildings can bend and sway at the top without causing any damage.
The complexity of construction design is why it is so important to work with a team of experts with a portfolio of building projects that is both extensive and diverse.
5 Planning Elements to Look for in Your Contractor’s Safety Program
The risks that less experienced builders might face are just as likely to result from the smaller details in their planning processes. Something as basic as ill-fitting PPE could cause a hat to slip or goggles to partially obstruct a worker’s vision. A lack of communication with your subs could lead someone to approach heights without sufficient preparation. Ask your contractor about the ways they protect the various teams who will be on the job. Five planning elements to look for:
1. Safety Incorporated into Project’s Design
Safety begins on day one of the design phase of any construction project. A safety and health plan should be in place to alert the team when to intervene during this phase. A project coordinator or manager will be available to visit the site during critical phases of operations, examine it for security issues, and take all necessary measures to minimize the risk of an accident. This role helps ensure compliance with various governing bodies throughout.
2. Strict Vetting of Subcontractors
How strict is your partner’s vetting and monitoring of all personnel and subcontractors? During the subcontractor selection process at W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., we look for three main qualities in companies:
- Strong financial standing
- Reputation for quality and timely workmanship
- Track record of operational safety that meets all OSHA standards
3. Team Collaboration on Safety Issues
A significant part of a construction company’s role involves collaborating between contractors, engineers, and clients. Doing so is necessary when it comes to monitoring things like the proper use and size of gear to minimize exposure to hazards that can lead to workplace injuries and illnesses. The safety coordinator should monitor the activities on the site and be prepared to intervene if any hazards are detected or standards aren’t being met.
4. Evidence of a Commitment to Safety Rules and Protocols
A commitment to rules and industry standards for on-the-job safety is just the baseline for what to expect from your team. Look for signs that those standards are followed consistently from the top on down. You should notice leadership following the same protocols as workers on the ground. Data related to safety can be included in progress reports shared with the client.
5. Training, Onboarding & Ongoing Communication
Ask about the company’s training and onboarding programs in terms of how they support safety policies. Ongoing education is a must, but results are best when informal talks are held regularly outside of training to give workers space to discuss workplace safety, address hazard prevention, and bring up anything else that might help them do their jobs better.
Ask Chicago-Based W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., About Their Construction Safety Programs
Do you want a construction partner that strives for accident-free jobs from beginning to end? At W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., we find that integrity in building design and safety go hand-in-hand. Our team works closely with clients to ensure each project is completed to the best possible standards.
Call W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. for a free consultation on the best approach to take with your project in the new year.
