Work injuries related to the construction industry cost the US more than $5 billion annually. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics further reports that the construction sector has the highest number of workplace-related deaths, with falls being the leading cause of death in the industry.
The above statistics are proof that proper safety practices are essential in the construction sector. For instance, working at heights course can significantly reduce falls among workers who work at heights. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that even the most experienced construction worker should receive some safety training.
So, as an employer in the construction industry, investing in a safety training program will save you money and protect your workers from injuries and death.
And if you still need more convincing, here are five more reasons why it’s so critical to enroll your employees in a construction site safety training course.
1. Compliance
One of the legal requirements in the construction industry is that you should have safety procedures in place to keep your workers safe. Ensuring your workers have undergone safety training is an important aspect of meeting this requirement.
If you aren’t sure where to start regarding the required safety course for your workers, visit the OSHA website and check out the regulations that apply to your firm.
Remember to offer safety training to your employees in line with their roles, as some workers may need to enroll in more than one safety training course.
2. Reduces the Number of Injuries and Deaths
Some of the activities that happen during construction work include working at heights, working with heavy machinery, and working in high activity areas. Such conditions increase the possibility of injuries and deaths among workers.
However, safety training can save your employees’ lives and keep them safe on site.
Proper safety training provides workers with an overview of the common hazards found on construction sites. The training also teaches employees the protective measures to take to prevent injuries.
Besides, workers also learn the basic safety rules to adhere to during construction work, some of which include:
- To start work only after an induction
- The use of proper tools for the job
- Importance of wearing proper PPEs
- The need to communicate any hazards to other workers
- To keep the worksite tidy
- To always follow safety procedures
3. Saves You Money
Statistics show that 1.7 percent of workers in the construction industry miss work annually because of injuries.
Safety training reduces the number of injuries in your workplace, meaning fewer employees will miss work or call in sick. Moreover, workers who are familiar with safety procedures are more confident and productive.
Besides, non-compliance with the safety regulations may result in costly lawsuits for the company in case of accidents. For instance, $2.5 billion of annual workers’ compensation claims are related to falls, while OSHA penalties for safety violations cost as much as $1,792,726.
4. Keeps Your Workers Updated with New Safety Procedures
Even if your employees have done safety training in the past, it’s essential to encourage them to enroll in new safety courses.
When your employees take multiple safety courses, it enhances their past knowledge. It also ensures your workers keep up with new innovations and technologies used to promote safety in the construction industry.
Besides, such training ensures all your workers have the same level of training, which improves the overall safety of everyone at the site.
5. Gives the Firm a Good Reputation
No worker likes to work in a company that doesn’t look after the wellbeing of its employees. Similarly, investors would rather work with a company that takes care of the safety needs of its employees.
A construction firm that isn’t keen on offering safety training will have high turnover rates, less productivity, and more workplace-related injuries. Such negative happenings can give your company a bad image among employees, investors, and community members. The result will be a tainted reputation, which will reduce revenue over time.
In closing, most work-related injuries and deaths in the construction industry can be prevented through safety training. Investing in a safety course for you and your employees further ensures you comply with safety regulations, keeps your workers updated, saves you money, and gives your company a good public image.