Steps to Build a Safety Culture at Construction Sites

Construction site safety is of significant concern to the NYC Department of Buildings. Local Law 78 of 2017 requires construction sites to report incidents resulting in fatalities or injuries to the DOB. Statistics show that 40 incidents resulting in fatality or injury occurred in September 2022.

Worksite safety has been a significant cause for concern for the DOB because NYC has the highest construction-related injuries and fatalities rate nationwide. The DOB’s second annual Construction Safety Report, published at the end of last year, shows that 712 construction-related incidents occurred in 2021, culminating in 505 injuries and nine deaths.

Sources show that while NYC construction incidents have declined for three consecutive years, the rate is still higher than the nationwide average, prompting the DOB to take matters more seriously and implement various measures to increase worksite safety.

The DOB’s Chapter 33 outlines several safety measures worksites must implement to ensure worker and pedestrian safety at construction and demolition sites. It also outlines the importance of creating a safety culture on these sites to prevent accidents because accidents can force the DOB to issue stop-work orders.

How to Cultivate a Safety Culture at Construction Sites

Here’s how you can cultivate a safer working environment at construction sites:

Ensure Proper Worker Training

Section 3321.1 stipulates that site safety training is necessary for workers on construction sites with a construction superintendent, site safety manager, or site safety coordinator. The permit holder must ensure that workers employed or engaged on the worksite have completed an OSHA 40hour class or a 100-hour training program.

Once workers have completed this training, they’ll receive an SST card. The permit holder must also ensure that a daily log is kept with copies of each worker’s SST card.

Hire a Site Safety Manager, Coordinator, or Superintendent

Section 3301.3 of the DOB’s Chapter 33 states that permit holders must have a site safety manager, coordinator, or construction superintendent. A certified site safety manager is required for construction or demolition sites above 15 stories and more than 100,000 square footage.

Similarly, site safety coordinators are required for buildings between 10 to 14 stories. Meanwhile, construction superintendents must be present to ensure compliance with the DOB and OSHA regulations on buildings under nine stories.

Site safety managers, coordinators, and superintendents must ensure worksite safety according to the DOB’s guidelines.

Empower Workers and Ensure Accountability

Empowering workers can also create a safety culture on construction and demolition sites. While site safety managers, coordinators, and construction superintendents must ensure compliance with DOB regulations, workers should also know the unsafe practices that can endanger their well-being. Chapter 33 requires site safety managers, coordinators, and superintendents to provide on-site training to workers. 

However, workers must also be empowered to report unsafe conditions or coworkers failing to follow safety protocols because it can help address safety concerns quickly.

Conduct Regular Site Inspections and Safety Meetings

Another way to ensure worksite safety is by monitoring construction and demolition sites. Inspecting sites before and after workdays can ensure tools aren’t lying around or equipment isn’t damaged. It can also help identify potential hazards to workers. 

Ensure Construction Site Safety with RC Safety Inc

RC Safety Inc has a team of site safety consultants based in NYC. The organization can help construction and demolition sites adhere to DOB’s regulations by providing licensed DOB construction superintendents NYC, site safety coordinators, and site safety managers. In addition, RC Safety Inc can also help with site safety training. Visit their website for more information. Alternatively, contact them to get competitive site safety services today.