3 Critical Levers for Improving Jobsite Safety: Processes, Innovation and Culture

Maintaining jobsite safety in the face of tight budgets and timelines is challenging but not impossible. Contractors can boost the likelihood of workers returning home without injury at the end of each shift if leaders are willing to put in the effort and devote the right resources, which don’t have to break the bank.

An effective strategy for improving jobsite safety employs three levers: processes, innovation and culture. It works like this: Establish processes that mitigate risks, embrace innovative solutions that build in safeguards, and cultivate a culture of safety that ingrains safety in every aspect of operations. More on each lever below.

Formalize processes that mitigate risks

There’s no place for winging it when it comes to safety. Establishing processes that all workers are expected to follow keeps safety top of mind.

One methodology to embrace across the jobsite is 5S. It entails five steps to maintaining a clean and organized jobsite, which creates a safer environment.

1. Sort: Remove items that aren’t in active use to prevent accidents such as slips, trips and falls.
2. Set in order: Organize work areas, yards and storage containers to boost safety and efficiency. Put heavy items in easy-to-reach spots, for instance.
3. Shine: Clean and maintain tools, equipment and workplaces.
4. Standardize: Use these procedures consistently.
5. Sustain: Maintain these efforts over time. Training employees on 5S and conducting regular audits can help companies reach this goal.

Other valuable processes to implement include performing a hazard analysis for every new jobsite, creating a site-specific safety plan and reviewing it frequently with crews, and for equipment operators, conducting pre-work walkarounds to achieve 360° awareness. Routine preventive maintenance and equipment inspections are also critical.

To set an intent for the day, some companies start shifts with a short, mandatory safety meeting on a topic relevant to the day’s work.

Embrace innovative solutions

Contractors of the past could only dream of the digital tools available for use on jobsites today. Heavy equipment technology such as collision avoidance and grade control systems help protect operators and workers on foot, for example. Other tools that enhance safety and site security are components of a connected jobsite.

Wearable devices including beacons, badges and clips can identify a worker’s location, detect a fall, sound an evacuation alarm and enable the worker to contact a supervisor if help is needed.

Access management tools include modular smart turnstiles, which integrate with temporary fencing. To pass through, a worker taps a company-issued ID badge or other credential to enter a jobsite or hazardous area. These turnstiles also provide entry and exit data that can be crucial in an emergency.

RFID-enabled ID badges keep unauthorized operators off heavy equipment when an RFID reader is added to an ignition keypad lock. The badges link to a worker profile, which may include information about operator training and certification. With badge-based equipment access management, only users with access privileges are able to start the equipment.

A less advanced but nevertheless effective way to manage equipment access is to require workers to enter a PIN code on a keypad ignition lock.

Establish a strong safety culture

At companies that successfully elevate safety as a core value, the entire workforce is bought in. A safety-first mindset can not only help prevent accidents but also boost productivity and morale and increase worker retention rates. What’s more, when companies emphasize safety and make a point of complying with OSHA regulations, they are less likely to incur fines.

Strong safety cultures don’t happen automatically. Leaders need to set the tone through their words and actions. Some ways they can demonstrate their commitment to safety include:

• Investing in continuous safety training for employees. This training should include courses chosen based on specific roles, responsibilities and situations, such as working with chemicals or in confined spaces.
• Designating a competent person when the job calls for one.
• Encouraging crew members to report hazards and safety concerns during safety meetings, directly to supervisors during shifts or through anonymous feedback mechanisms.
• Seeking input from frontline workers on how to improve safety processes.
• Acknowledging employees who model safe behavior and offering feedback and coaching to those who don’t follow the rules.
• Choosing partners that also prioritize worker well-being, such as rental providers that are 5S certified.

Increasing jobsite safety has countless practical benefits beyond the big one (the health of employees). When crews remain able-bodied, work continues at pace, which helps preserve project timelines and budgets. When companies prevent severe injuries, they typically avoid OSHA inspections and citations.

Through processes, innovations and culture, companies can create an environment that reduces accidents, boosts productivity and supports a positive reputation that leads to more work.

Browse our safety training courses and discover our Worksite Performance Solutions to increase safety on your next project.