Risk Control and Safety Program Elements for Contractors

Risk Control for the Construction Industry

Risk Control is an important part of a comprehensive Safety Program.  Risk Control combines education, safety protocols, and operational measures to minimize claim frequency and severity.

These measures help keep employees healthy and safe while working and reduce workers’ compensation claim costs.   Risk Control Elements vary by the type of work being done and the environment in which it is performed.  Here are some Safety Program elements that should be part of a Safety Program:

Respiratory Protection and other PPE

Respiratory protection is generally needed if employees are exposed to airborne particles that may be hazardous, such as dust, mist, fumes, spray, or biological agents; to vapors and/or gases; or for insufficient oxygen levels.

Your safety program should clearly outline when respiratory protection is mandatory and provide employees with the appropriate equipment for the level and type of protection needed. Employees should be trained in the proper fit and use of all equipment.  The program should also include schedules and procedures for disinfection, cleaning, inspection, storage, and disposal of equipment.

Other types of PPE include gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, face/eye protection, and footwear.  The types of PPE and when they should be used should be clearly documented, and the documentation should also include cleaning, inspection, storage, and disposal criteria.

Ladder Safety

Falls from heights cause a significant portion of workers’ compensation claims.  Safety training on ladder use is important when employees use ladders. The ladder type used should always match the type of job. Not every ladder is rated for the same type of use.

Programs should include ladder inspection, training on setting up ladders safely and ensuring the space around the base and above is clear and free of hazards, and on climbing and using a ladder safely.

Machine Guards

Machinery and power tools used on job sites and in workshops must have the appropriate guards in place. Guards should never be removed or altered, and protocols about inspection and appropriate use of all machinery should be included.

Safe Lifting

Back, shoulder, and neck injuries from improper lifting are common causes of claims. Programs should include Employee training on safe lifting, including when equipment, such as a dolly or handcart, is required, the maximum weight to be lifted/carried, and the proper way to lift, carry, and set down heavy items.

Risk Control

In addition to the safety elements above, Management is responsible for creating and implementing Training and Safety programs.

Elements include:

1. Documented Training – The training program should be documented and cover all aspects of not only job duties, but safety procedures as well.
2. Hazard Recognition – Training on how to identify and manage common hazards should be included, including appropriate PPE usage.
3. Emergency Response – Having an emergency response plan set ahead of time, including natural disasters and medical emergencies, is vital.
4. Incident Reporting – Employees should be given the tools to report any incidents, and the chain of command on who to report to.

These are just some of the common elements for Risk Control and Safety Programs and are not all-inclusive.  Actual programs should include job-specific safety procedures based on the type of work being done (such as electrical work, heat illness safety, scaffolding, roof work, and chemical handling).

OSHA has a page that is specific to the Construction Industry. They have sections on regulatory requirements, industry safety guidance, training information, and safety outreach.  They also have an extensive Training and Reference Library to help with Risk Control and Safety Programs.

In addition to Risk Control and Safety programs, having insurance to protect your business and Workers Compensation to protect your employees is necessary.  At Fixated Financial, we can work with our carriers to protect your business with General Liability, Umbrella/Excess Liability, Inland Marine, Property, Workers Compensation, Employment Practices Liability, and more.