When you work in the construction industry, accidents can unfortunately occur from time to time. Ideally, you will take the proper precautions to avoid any injury to your employees – and your projects and reputation – so that little harm is sustained. However, if you find yourself in the position where you are having to do some damage control, make sure that you keep the following information top of mind, particularly if you want to minimize costs and retain your top talent. 

Direct and Indirect Costs

On-site accidents often incur both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs could include things like compensation to the individual, potential medical bills, and even legal payments that must be made either directly or through an insurance process. 

On top of this, you may also experience indirect costs, which can come from things such as lost time from workers who are injured or must otherwise stop work, damaged equipment or property, delays in project timelines and other loss of production costs, etc. 

How to Avoid On-Site Accidents Before They Happen 

In any industry – but especially in the construction industry – safety should be the primary concern. The first way to do this is by making sure your team is properly trained and educated. Keep in mind that effective training is not a one-time occurrence. You should ensure that your employees are regularly required to refresh their safety knowledge throughout the year.

Making sure that your equipment is safe and up to code is also critical. Your employees need to be using the proper, quality equipment that is well-maintained. And, to go back to the first point, your team needs to be properly trained on how to use this equipment as well.

Supervision and communication are also incredibly important when it comes to workplace safety. Team members should know exactly what is required of them. Having clear and concise communication will help ensure that projects are completed more efficiently and without error or accident. The site manager or supervisor also needs to be actively enforcing safety measures, and communicating with the crew. 

Retaining Top Talent After an Accident

Things like benefits and “stay interviews” can only get you so far when it comes to retaining your star employees. This can be particularly difficult after your company sustains an onsite accident – particularly if serious harm was done to a project or team member.  

In order to retain top talent after an accident, you need to reassure your employees that their safety is your top priority and that you are taking the appropriate steps to make sure that your worksite is as safe as possible. It is not just your words that will matter here – your actions are the only thing that can make a real difference. Remember, employees will follow your lead; if you show them that safety is of critical importance, they will do their part as well. 

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