The Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2025 Health and Safety Performance Report analyzed OSHA Form 300A data and “self-assessment of leading indicator practices” to identify the foundations of safety best practices, according to Safety+Health magazine.
Following are five key safety best practices.
- New hire safety orientation. Total recordable incident rates for employers who conduct in-depth orientation regarding health and safety culture, systems and processes are 52% lower than employers who cover only basic health and safety compliance during onboarding. Additionally, days away, restricted or transferred rates are 56% lower.
- Substance abuse prevention programs. Robust substance abuse prevention programs and policies with provisions for drug and alcohol testing—where permitted—lead to a 52% decrease in total recordable incident rates and 55% decrease in days away, restricted or transferred rates.
- Frequent toolbox talks. Compared with employers who conduct toolbox talks monthly, there is a 78% decrease in total recordable incident rates for employers who conduct daily toolbox talks and a 79% decrease in days away, restricted or transferred rates.
- Top management engagement in safety best practices. Involvement from company leaders results in a 49% decrease in total recordable incident rates and a 52% decrease in days away, restricted or transferred rates.
- Leading indicators. Employers who track and review activities to prevent and control injuries experienced a 59% decrease in total recordable incident rates and a 60% decrease in days away, restricted or transferred rates.
