by Ann Withanee — September 7, 2011—The construction industry’s concerted efforts to improve workplace safety has resulted in a decline by nearly 40 percent in fatalities during the past five years, according to new federal data prepared by the Associated General Contractors of America. Further good news is that the year between 2009 and 2010 showed a ten percent drop in fatalities during construction of new facilities and renovation of existing facilities.
The reason, says Stephen E. Sandheer, the Association’s CEO, is that the industry has made safety a top priority. “But,” he adds, “even one fatality is too many.”
Sandheer adds this interesting note: during the past five years, the number of construction fatalities declined faster than the total amount of money invested in construction projects. While construction spending declined by 31 percent between 2006 and 2010, the number of fatalities declined by nearly 40 percent.
Facilities owners and managers certainly are paying attention more closely when it comes to safety, as demonstrated by the reduction in fatalities during the past five years. Owners and managers have a vested interest in the safety of construction workers as they build or renovate the corporate facility since they are looking for the completion of projects on time and within budget, with the safety of workers as an essential part of that overall goal.
The past two decades tallied a significant improvement in workplace safety, due in part to active measures undertaken by the construction industries. Safety planning is now an essential part of pre-construction plans for all types of facilities. Rigorous and ongoing safety training are held both at construction sites and within company training rooms coupled with a wide range of safety training programs and tools the Association offers to construction companies.
Many firms now regularly hold Association-led safety stand-downs, whereby all construction activity is stopped during one full day for intense safety training and drills. Further, the Association has trained construction workers in fall protection measures, resulting in a reduction of fall fatalities from 447 in 2007 to 260 in 2010, a 42 percent decline.
The Association remains committed to working with federal, state and local officials to continue improving workplace safety whether for renovation of existing facilities or construction of new ones.
