Rising workers’ compensation costs can be a serious challenge for construction businesses. While the instinct may be to focus on reducing insurance spending, the most effective long-term solution may be preventing accidents before they happen. A strong safety program — one that continuously improves — can reduce injuries, strengthen compliance, and help lower workers’ compensation costs over time.
Five Steps to Building a Strong Safety Program
A well-rounded safety program does more than achieve OSHA compliance. It helps create safer job sites, reduces accidents, and protects your bottom line. Consider these five steps:
- Develop safety programs required by OSHA standards.
- Integrate those programs into daily operations.
- Investigate all injuries and illnesses.
- Provide training to build safety competence in employees.
- Audit your programs and worksites regularly to support continuous improvement.
Develop Programs Required by OSHA Standards
OSHA requirements set compliance benchmarks and provide a clear path to incident reduction. Many preventable accidents occur when OSHA programs are poorly developed or inconsistently applied, whether it’s the improper use of fall protection, personal protective equipment, or safe lifting techniques.
Written programs that are developed, communicated, and actively implemented can result in fewer accidents, more productive teams, and lower workers’ compensation costs.
Integrate Programs Into Daily Operations
Policies alone don’t improve safety; they need to move from paper to practice. Success depends on clear communication, strong execution, and a culture that values safety. Foremen play a critical role in making programs work, which is why training and equipping them with the right skills is essential.
A proactive approach, where safety is woven into daily work rather than treated as a reaction to incidents, can create stronger, safer outcomes.
Investigate All Injuries and Illnesses
Accident investigations go beyond reports to uncover root causes and prevent repeat incidents. Even minor, first aid-only injuries can provide valuable insights into potential hazards.
By investigating every incident, employers can identify trends, correct unsafe practices, and reduce the frequency of both minor and serious accidents. This helps control workers’ compensation claims and costs over time.
Train and Audit for Continuous Improvment
Training builds competence, and competence can reduce accidents. Employees who fully understand safety expectations and procedures may be less likely to be injured on the job. Site supervisors need the knowledge and confidence to embed safety practices into daily work.
Regular audits can help ensure that programs remain relevant and effective. By consistently reviewing and updating safety efforts, businesses can adapt to new challenges while maintaining a focus on prevention.
Tangible Benefits of a Strong Safety Program
A competency-based safety program can produce measurable results:
- Direct return on investment through fewer accidents and lower costs
- Reduced risk of OSHA fines
- Lower workers’ compensation costs through proactive prevention
- Stronger employee morale and improved retention
- Safer, more efficient worksites with higher-quality craftsmanship
Building Safer Workplaces Together
At Trucordia, we know that controlling workers’ compensation costs starts with reducing workplace risks. By investing in a comprehensive safety program, construction leaders can create safer job sites, reduce costs, and support their teams for the long term.
Learn more about construction business insurance solutions and risk management.
