When undertaking any construction project, home and business owners are concerned with keeping their family, employees, tenants, and property safe. What many forget is that they should also be concerned with the risks the contractor bears.
While it is ultimately the responsibility of the construction company to implement a comprehensive safety program, here are some reasons why it should also matter to you as the owner:
Proper Safety Measures Decrease Cost
Injuries on the job site result in high-dollar losses between the cost of insurance and the hidden costs of accidents. The potential risk to a contractor will inevitably affect the cost of the contract.
Contractors are required by law to implement certain safety procedures, such as fall protection, respiratory protection, competent person, and hazard communication. If a contractor implements these safety measures successfully, they decrease the risk to their workers which, in turn, significantly lowers overhead cost.
If the contractor does not have a good track record when it comes to jobsite safety, the risk is greater, and so is the cost. Just like having multiple car accidents will raise the cost of your car insurance, accidents on the jobsite will increase the cost of the contractor’s insurance. This will be reflected in your contract cost.
Safety Plans Increase Efficiency
If your contractor has a well-established safety plan, the job is more likely to be completed well and on time. The reduced risk of accidents decreases the chances of the job coming to a standstill due to injury.
Contractors who do not comply with safety guidelines can very quickly find themselves out of business, leaving your project unfinished, or any warranties null and void. This is why it is so important to do your due diligence and demand that your contractor remains compliant with OSHA safety regulations.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers safety and health regulations for construction companies in the United States. However, there are still contractors who cut corners to save time and money. This is a risk for their workers and you!
Many owners feel like they are overstepping by demanding their contractor perform business in a specific way, but it is absolutely your right as the owner to ensure that your contractor remains OSHA compliant. Here are some questions you should be asking before hiring a construction company:
- Do you carry insurance, including worker’s compensation and liability?
- What safety measures will your workers be taking?
- Are your employees properly trained in these safety measures?
- Who is responsible for making sure that all workers are compliant with your implemented safety program?
Trustworthy Painting Contractor Serving Metro Detroit
Armor Tough Coatings is a fully licensed and insured painting contractor serving the Metro Detroit area. We go the extra mile to ensure that our employees are safe, as well as your property. Our thorough painting services cover everything from prep to finish. You can check out our entire process here. Schedule your estimate online today!
