• 82% report an improved reputation

• 71% report lower injury rates

• 66% report they have a greater ability to contract new work

• 66% report better project quality.

Uneven Acceptance

Clearly, firms are taking safety seriously. This is particularly critical given that construction activity is rebounding with strong growth expected in both the near and long term. However, not all firms are fully embracing holistic safety programs, most notably smaller firms. These firms not only give up the benefits and opportunities that a strong program can yield, but they will also start to lose any competitive edge they might have had. Therefore, smaller firms need to increase the strength of their safety programs, and in doing so they will recognize greater savings leading to better profit margins and/or lower costs to be passed onto an owner.

For more information on safety practices of contractors, including more details on the benefits as well as the triggers, drivers and obstacles for adopting strong safety management programs, the Safety Management in Construction SmartMarket Report is available for free download at ">www.construction.com/market_research.


BENEFITS TO CONTRACTORS OF HAVING A SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Project Schedule Reductions

 19% report savings of two weeks or more
Lower Project Budgets 24% report reductions greater than 5%(26% for firms with integrated safety programs vs. 16% for those without)
Improvements in ROI 20% report improvements greater than 5%(22% for firms with integrated safety programs vs. 15% for those without)
Improved Reputation 82% report improvements
Lower Injury Rates 71% report improvements
Greater Ability to Contract New Work 66% report improvements
Better Project Quality

66% report improvements