It’s no secret that construction sites are inherently dangerous and full of liabilities.
But the statistics surrounding workplace accidents on work sites might just shock you.
- In 2022, 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred on construction sites (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- In 2020, out of 345 deaths that occurred by falls, 96 occurred in the construction industry (Source).
- In 2016, the number of non-fatal workplace incidents on worksites totaled 77,780 (OSHA).
While some companies attempt to manage construction safety in-house, outsourcing this task to experienced professionals offers a range of benefits.
From regulatory compliance to cost savings and improved efficiency, external safety experts bring expertise and objectivity that in-house teams may lack.
Over time, the cost savings may even pay for themselves, even if you don’t physically see the dollar amount on your expense report.
Here are ten benefits of outsourcing construction safety management for your next project.
1. Expertise and Regulatory Compliance
The construction industry is one of the most highly regulated. Violations of building codes and safety precautions can result in injuries, fines, penalties, and suspension of permits.
In addition, navigating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and other industry standards can be complex. Safety experts and specialized firms ensure that your project remains compliant, reducing the risk of costly fines and legal issues.
2. Cost Savings
Hiring and maintaining an in-house safety team may seem expensive, but the cost savings of avoiding just one accident in worker’s compensation, medical claims, and workplace fines can be exponential.
Ensuring proper safety and regulatory standards in workzones can significantly reduce your risk of injury and downtime, which adds substantial costs to your project.
3. Improved Risk Management
Construction safety professionals take a proactive approach to risk management. They conduct thorough risk assessments, identify potential hazards, and implement preventive measures through safety plans before accidents occur.
Furthermore, their objective viewpoint allows them to spot risks that internal teams might overlook, leading to a safer work environment for all personnel on-site.
4. Enhanced Training Programs
Safety training is the foundation of all construction safety management. Professional safety firms provide outside experience and connections with leading industry groups that can provide your workers with the highest level of safety training available.
Professional firms are also trained on the latest safety standards that onsite teams may not know or are familiar with.
Safety teams will also have their own internal construction site safety checklist, which can help improve inspections and reporting by key team members during lockout/tagout procedures.
5. Unbiased Safety Audits and Inspections
When evaluating workplace safety, an in-house safety team may have inherent biases or conflicts of interest that can create blind spots. On the other hand, external safety consultants conduct unbiased safety audits and inspections, allowing them to identify risks and address deficiencies before they lead to incidents.
6. Reduced Downtime and Increased Productivity
Beyond a cost perspective, proper safety management also ensures that projects run on time, which can improve customer fulfillment and reputation across the industry.
7. Access to the Latest Safety Technology and Best Practices
Construction safety is continually evolving, with new technologies, equipment, and best practices emerging regularly.
External safety firms stay up to date with these advancements, bringing the latest safety solutions to your project. Whether it’s digital safety tracking, wearable technology, or enhanced protective gear, outsourcing ensures that your construction site benefits from cutting-edge safety innovations.
8. Scalability and Flexibility
Construction projects vary in size and complexity from project to project. While in-house teams should theoretically adapt to these different standards, they may not be adequately trained to meet specific project requirements.
Outsourcing allows companies to scale safety services up or down based on project demands. Whether you need a full-time safety manager for a large project or periodic inspections for smaller jobs, outsourced safety management provides the flexibility to meet your needs without long-term commitments.
9. Stronger Safety Culture
A safety culture is paramount to your workplace’s continued success and your employees’ happiness. By hiring a professional safety manager, you are already instilling a safety-first culture, which motivates employees to work more efficiently and avoid accidents.
On the flip side, a work zone that is notorious for being sloppy or unsafe typically indicates other deficiencies and can lead to high employee turnover.
10. Better Incident Response and Investigation
Despite the best preventive measures, accidents can still happen. When they do, it is critical to have an experienced safety professional handle incident response and investigation. Outsourced safety experts conduct thorough investigations to determine root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent future occurrences.
Their expertise ensures that incidents are documented correctly and reported in compliance with regulatory requirements.
By hiring an external construction safety manager, you can scale your safety management to meet your project’s needs and gain access to the latest industry tools and standards. Be sure to conduct thorough research, considering past projects, expertise, and reviews.
FAQs
What types of construction companies benefit from outsourcing safety management?
Any construction company, regardless of size, can benefit from outsourcing safety management. Small businesses that lack in-house safety expertise and large firms managing multiple projects simultaneously both find value in external safety services.
How does outsourcing safety management help with OSHA compliance?
Outsourced safety professionals are well-versed in OSHA regulations and ensure that construction sites meet all compliance requirements, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.
What should I look for in an outsourced safety management provider?
Look for a provider with industry experience, a strong track record, up-to-date certifications, and knowledge of the latest safety regulations and technologies.