Construction business owners are always looking for ways to get more contracts and make more money. But it’s not always so straightforward. Improving workplace safety can help you save money and win more contracts at the same time.
But how exactly does this strategy work and how do you implement it?
The Role of Safety on the Job-Site
Safety is indispensable on the job-site, and for many reasons. The obvious impact of higher construction job-site safety is fewer workplace accidents and injuries. This keeps your employees safer, healthier, happier, and more productive. It also saves your business a lot of money. But the lesser-known benefit of better safety on the job-site is that it can help you market your business – and in several ways.
Safety-oriented leadership is the most important foundation to the development of greater safety. Leaders have significant control over almost everything on the job-site, including the hazards, the protective equipment, the education and training provided to employees, and even the supervision of employees as they facilitate work. With better safety leadership, your organization will naturally become safer; just keep in mind that this is an ongoing process.
How Better Safety Can Help You Land More Construction Contracts
How can improved safety in your construction business help you land more construction contracts?
- Productivity. One of the indirect benefits of greater workplace safety is that the entire operation becomes more productive. Your workers will be healthier and less susceptible to injury, mitigating absenteeism so that everyone can get more done in less time. Improved workplace safety also has a positive impact on morale, which can increase productivity even further. If your business has a reputation for getting things done quickly and efficiently, it’s naturally going to attract more contracts. You can also use your safety records as an indicator of your overall productivity as an organization.
- Cost savings (and new investments). Another side effect of improving safety is saving significant money. You won’t suffer any significant losses due to major accidents or injuries, and eventually, your insurance premiums will fall as well. You can use this extra money to invest in almost anything that could improve your business, including new equipment, new specialists, and more.
- Reputation. Safety plays into your overall reputation. Maintaining good safety records will help people think more positively about your construction business overall, supporting its competitive positioning at the brand level.
- Amenable partnerships. Clients are much more likely to work with a construction company that prioritizes safety. Not only is it an indicator of integrity, but it also reduces the risk of emergent complexities when the construction project begins. If you mark it and advertise your dedication to safety, you’ll naturally appeal to more clients.
- Recommendations. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to generate more business – and an indicator of the health and success of your organization. If you consistently keep your workplace safe, your employees, clients, and partners are going to strongly recommend you to others. It can be difficult to find word of mouth footing as a relatively new construction business, but with time, your reputation will precede you.
- Employee support. Employees are going to be much more likely to support your construction business if they know that you’re committed to their safety. There are regulatory standards dictating workplace safety in place, but employers should go above and beyond those to keep their employees out of unnecessary risk. Support your employees and they’ll be much more likely to support you.
Marketing and Advertising Your Commitment to Safety
What steps can you take to market and advertise your commitment to safety to maximize the benefits you receive from it?
- Show off your records. Be as objective as possible and show off your records. How long has it been since your last accident? What awards or forms of recognition have you received for your commitments to safety?
- Get quotes and testimonials. You can also get quotes and testimonials. Ask employees, partners, former clients, and other noteworthy parties to provide their own perspective on your commitment to safety.
- Make a pledge for the future. Don’t just focus on the past and present; also look to the future. What plans do you have to make your organization safer? What gaps and limitations do you notice in your current safety plans and how are you going to close them? How are you going to demonstrate safety leadership in the industry?
When your organization is safer, your employees will be more productive and happier, your organization will save money, and in many cases, you’ll be in a position to win more contracts and generate more revenue.
Keep safety as a top priority if you want your construction business to thrive.
