Construction companies that use proactive safety practices can reduce recordable incidents by up to 85%, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2019 Safety Performance Report.
Companies that adhere to best practices have a safety record that is up to 680% safer than the industry average, the report found. The annual report assesses the construction industry’s understanding of how to achieve world-class safety through ABC’s STEP Safety Management System.
“ABC’s fifth annual report on the use of leading indicators, such as substance abuse programs and toolbox safety talks, confirms that high-performing ABC members have safer construction job sites,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. “This is one of the few studies of commercial and industrial construction firms doing real work on real projects, and it shows that implementing best practices can produce world-class construction safety programs.”
The Safety Performance Report is based on data gathered from ABC member companies recording nearly one billion hours of work in construction, heavy construction, civil engineering and specialty trades. Of the eight core leading indicators that had the most dramatic impact on safety performance in 2018, daily toolbox safety talks were the most effective—reducing Total Recordable Incident Rate and Days Away and Restricted or Transferred rate by 85% compared to monthly sessions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2020
HUD issues guidance on emotional support animals
Clarifies the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2020
New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact
Governor has seven key strategies for emissions cuts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2020
Colorado ranks first in LEED Top 10 states
Rankings of states for LEED certified square feet per person released.