Improving safety is a top goal for the commercial construction industry, and something the team at Unique Building Group (UBG) takes very seriously. In 2022, 5,486 workers were killed on the job in our industry, and falls, struck-by, stuck-between, and electrocution incidents continue to be the top causes of accidents, fatalities, and citations.
While accidents have decreased over the years, the construction industry is still the most dangerous, and there are many subcontractors on the market that don’t have a great safety record
When partnering with UBG on a commercial construction project, you can feel confident that you’re working with one of the safest commercial contractors in the industry. Everything we do is centered around a safety-first mindset, and we’re constantly improving our practices and procedures. Here are some of the ways UBG goes above and beyond to prioritize safety on the job:
1. We Stay Up To Date On Technology
While drones and wearable technology have revolutionized safety and efficiency over the last few years, it’s Artifical Intelligence that is poised to fundamentally change construction site safety. Many predict AI-monitors will be able to scan job sites for hazards and ensure workers are equipped with the right PPE. AI could also be used to ensure equipment and machines are functioning properly or to gather location and biometric data from wearable technology to predict when an employee is in danger or at risk for a health-issue.
Wherever AI takes us, UBG will be at the forefront. We’re always evaluating new solutions and adopting them where it makes sense. Subcontractors who don’t leverage new technology to improve construction safety will be left behind.
2. We Have A Culture Of Accountability
Some subcontractors put revenue or efficiency above all else, but when you do this, you’re setting yourself up for serious problems. One single safety issue can derail an entire project and result in significant fines.
UBG prioritizes safety above everything else. If we’re not working safely, then both efficiency and revenue will take a hit. As a result, we’ve created a culture dedicated to accountability. Safety is everyone’s job — from our executives to our foreman. We hold each other accountable and set the expectation that training, education, and on-the-job procedures are essential for us to perform.
3. We’re Always Learning And Improving
At UBG, all foremen are a minimum OSHA 30 trained and all project leads are a minimum OSHA 10 trained. However, our safety training and education doesn’t stop there. From safety conferences to year-round training programs, safety practices are constantly reinforced across our entire teams. We want our workers to be prepared in any scenario — so this requires extensive training off the job.
4. We Communicate On-The-Job
Communicating hazards and safety concerns on the job site is an important strategy for preventing safety issues from arising. We enable communication by holding daily safety meetings and equipping our teams with communication tools needed to quickly report issues. We have some of the best safety managers in the business, who regularly inspect the scene and communicate and document issues as they arise.
Why It’s Important To Partner With A Subcontractor With An Excellent Safety Record
Construction safety issues not only put workers at risk, but they can jeopardize an entire project. One accident can result in delays, fines, and overtime which can quickly send a project’s balance sheet into the red. Sometimes general contractors choose less experienced subcontractors with subpar safety records because they submit the lowest bid — however, it’s not worth the risk. If you want to run an efficient project and deliver quality results, safety record has to be one of the most important considerations when evaluating subcontractors.
When it comes to complex framing jobs, you can’t afford to roll the dice on an unsafe subcontractor. If your firm needs a reliable subcontractor with an excellent safety record, consider UBG for your next project. In addition to our excellent safety record, we have a strong reputation for completing projects on-time and on-budget.
