Project Loss Control and Safety

Providing a safe workplace is the responsibility of all Program participants in a workers' compensation wrap-up. But, it is the responsibility of the purchaser of the Program to define its expectations when other parties are working on the job site. This can be accomplished by:

• Determing who will be responsible for project safety; there should be a full-time person on staff
• Identifying the designated safety personnel of each program participant
• Coordinating all safety activities with the insurance broker and/or insurance carrier – maximize the available resources
• Providing a Project Safety Manual to all parties on the job site
• Obtaining and reviewing the safety manuals of all Program participants
• Monitoring the onsite safety practices of all Program participants
• Making sure all manuals are available on the project site – these can be kept in the job offices/trailers
• Creating an onsite safety culture where all Program participants are motivated to work with each other to avoid work site injuries

In addition to the traditional safety program components, such as OSHA compliance, safety training and education, etc., the Project Safety Manual should establish the Program purchaser’s expectations, set minimum safety standards and include:

• Reporting procedures for all exposures – how does the contractor/subcontractor tell you that something is wrong on the job site?
• A forum for feedback from construction participants regarding any injuries or losses occuring at the job site and how to incorporate those experiences into ongoing safety education programs
• Quality assurance programs and inspections designed to alleviate or prevent claims, such as construction defect claims
• Record-keeping procedures to document quality control measures – documentation that can be used to defend future claims
• Penalties for non-compliance with project safety procedures

It is important to remember that safety pertains not only to site workers and employees, but also to the general public and other third parties. While protecting people and property is the primary goal of any safety program, reducing the negative effects of injury when an accident does occur is also important. An effective safety program must do both. Prior claims experience can be useful in preventing future injuries.