Dodge Construction Network’s most recent biennial report on safety management in the construction industry shows construction companies with 20 or fewer employees are making some progress regarding employee safety, health and well-being, according to Safety+Health magazine.
Compared with findings from Dodge Construction Network’s 2023 report, these smaller companies are improving regarding the use of online safety training; offering employee assistance programs; and using various methods to gauge and prevent heat exposure. In fact, they are growing in these areas faster than midsize or large construction companies.
More than 80% of the small companies said they use heat illness and injury prevention strategies, such as water, rest and shade; environmental monitoring; training and emergency response plans; and mobile heat safety apps. However, 62% of small companies have a heat safety plan compared with more than 80% of midsize and large firms.
Twenty-five percent of small companies have employee assistance programs compared with 16% in the 2023 report. Twenty-nine percent of midsize companies and 69% of large companies have employee assistance programs.
Additionally, 65% of small companies use online safety training compared with 45% in 2023. Seventy-one percent of midsize companies and 82% of large companies use online safety training.
In a press release, Donna Laquidara-Carr, industry insights research director at Dodge Construction Network, said: “While small contractors still lag larger firms in the overall use of formal safety management practices, the data clearly shows they are increasing their commitment to protecting workers and improving health and well-being at a faster rate than in previous studies.”
