How Implementing Better Safety Training Can Help Retain Construction Workers
With an ongoing labor shortage, safety training is even more important to build a strong workforce and create a positive work environment
Aug. 13, 2024
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Teaching proper safety techniques can help retain construction workers.
The construction industry is experiencing an ongoing labor shortage, with over half a million open positions, many of which are filled by inexperienced workers lacking safety training. This situation heightens risks and complicates loss prevention, particularly as larger projects demand more workers and stringent safety oversight due to increased regulations and insurance requirements, For Construction Pros reports. While some incidents are purely accidental, many are preventable when proper safety training and protocols are in place. Some cities, including New York City, have even created strict training programs and upped the amount of training providers in order to prevent such accidents.
However, the emphasis on safety training should not be confined to jurisdictions with strict laws. In a fast-paced industry with tight deadlines, it may be tempting to bypass essential safety training and hire new team members while forgoing training. Yet, the benefits of safer workforces and environments far outweigh any efficiencies gained by skipping proper training. Enhanced safety protocols not only decrease the risk of injury or death but also improve site conditions and reduce the TCOR and liability for general contractors.
