Safety Lessons from Accident-Free Olympic Construction
The Olympics in London produced not only cheers for medal winners but also applause for the safety record of the agency and contractors in charge of building the Olympics facilities.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), a British organization of health and safety professionals, commissioned a team of researchers to examine the safety practices that went into the Olympics construction, which finished with no fatalities. As a result, according to an online report in Occupational Health & Safety Magazine, IOSH came up with five key practices that all construction companies can use to save lives and prevent injuries.
They are:
- Lead from the top. The ODA [the Olympic Delivery Authority] set standards and also visibly engaged with the workforce to direct, motivate, and change behavior by focusing on its long-term goals.
- Develop competent supervisors. Technically knowledgeable supervisors’ impact upon health and safety was important, as were communication skills to influence workers’ understanding and behavior.
- Foster an open, positive safety culture. Safety was a dominating factor of the culture.
- Reward good behavior. Incentives and rewards helped to promote and encourage safe behavior, but positive feedback was the real reward in many cases.
- Review and learn. Problems were constantly reviewed and communicated across the organization, and corrective actions were implemented.
These are basic safety rules and are nothing groundbreaking. But, as IOSH pointed out, they saved lives:
“The ODA’s exemplary health and safety record speaks for itself. The techniques used were often low cost and had cross-company impact, showing that a good health and safety record isn’t out of any company’s grasp,” said IOSH Executive Director of Policy Dr. Luise Vassie.
Call an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer
The New Jersey and New York construction accident attorneys with the Ginarte law firm know that overlooking the simplest safety measures can lead to catastrophic construction accidents. But even when you, the construction worker, take precautions, your safety depends on the practices of those around you.
When you are injured in a construction accident, you need someone on your side seeking justice. Ginarte can help. Call us today at (888) GINARTE or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
