Construction businesses intent on reducing fatalities and injuries would be wise to implement safety leadership training for owners, project manages, supervisors and crew leaders.

The benefits far outweigh the costs when one considers the hundreds of fatalities and thousands of work-related injuries and illnesses that occur each year. Many of these accidents and injuries are preventable.

To help prevent these incidents, construction company owners, general contractors, and others in leadership positions are more frequently turning to contracting out for safety programs. But finding a reputable, outstanding safety training program can be easier said than done. There are a lot of programs out there. The resources below will help you evaluate programs and identify what may be best for your organization.

Assess Needs

Look at your data, such as safety data, worker’s compensation claims, and history of infractions, injuries, etc. Where are your greatest needs for safety training? Who is involved in those areas that should be trained? (Think not only of supervisors and managers, but crew leaders and other experienced workers who can set the right example).

Set the Stage

When it comes to implementing training for safety and health, there is no option to not attend. Higher level managers may need training of their own, but they should also be seen in training with mid-level managers and crews.

Incentivize Attendance

Whether you pay employees for the time, provide lunch and/or other incentives, make it worth their while to participate and pass any testing.

Safety Leader Skills

A good safety training program reinforces that importance of leading by example, engaging with, and empowering, team members, actively listening to concerns, developing team member skills, and providing recognition for work well-done.

Research Programs

Just like any other product advertising, a safety training program is going to advertise features and benefits and make it sound awesome for your business. Research the program: find out how many other and what other companies have used/are using it. Reach out to these companies and inquire about program content and outcomes: How did employees respond /review the program? What about their ROI relative to rates of injury, claims, accidents, etc?

Resources

• Foundations for Safety Leadership (FSL) was established by the Center for Construction Research and Training, an organization dedicated to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The FSL program was developed in collaboration with researchers, workers, OSHA trainers, safety and health professionals, and other experts. Trainings are available in Spanish. Skills taught include how to more effectively carry-out company safety policies, procedures, and practices with their crew members and to create a strong positive jobsite safety climate. 
• Construction Safety Experts is a full service safety training organization that offers industry specific programs as well as general training for crews, supervisors, and management.
• Onsite Safety fall prevention, safety training, and personal safety systems. In-person and online training are available.
• e-Training, inc. provides high quality, interactive, content-rich online workplace safety training in a user-friendly manner. Course follow regulatory compliance training standards set forth by OSHA, DOT, and the EPA.
• HazTek Safety Management provides comprehensive safety services for companies. Their goal is create a safety culture that reduces costs and enhances employee performance, productivity and morale. Programs are available nationwide for different industries and projects. 
• Construction Safety: Does Safety Leadership Training Make Sense for Your Business?
• Four Mindsets that Cause Accidents