by Shane Henson — May 3, 2013—Discussions about safety should begin long before a construction project starts, says ACE Construction, a division of the ACE Group that delivers integrated property and casualty insurance solutions. In the new Building a Proactive Safety Culture in the Construction Industry: 12 Steps to a Safer Job Site white paper, ACE Construction explores how working with the right insurance and risk professionals and investing in a strong safety culture can foster safer construction projects throughout their completed lifecycle.
According to George Cesarini, vice president of risk engineering for ACE Construction and one of the white paper’s authors, it was developed for all those involved in the construction industry to address a matter of critical importance—safety and risk control.
The report explains that despite safety improvements, construction still remains one of the most dangerous industries. It discusses how fostering a successful safety culture is an investment that can provide real benefit only when initiated as a company-wide effort that entails commitment and participation from everyone involved.
Detailed within the report is how a safe work environment helps to keep skilled employees on the job and projects on track by reducing accidents that result in injuries and schedule delays, while also reducing the risks of litigation and regulatory action. Also important, a strong safety record enhances a company’s reputation, makes it more competitive, and helps to manage insurance costs over time.
“While building a safer workplace requires constant effort and continual improvement, the results are well worth the investment of time, resources and money,” says Cesarini. “Additionally, a proactive safety culture not only helps to save lives, but it also contributes to retaining workers, reducing claims and delays, and enhancing productivity and profitability while strengthening a company’s reputation.”
