Is a Zero-Injury Culture Possible in Construction?

The construction industry consistently tops lists of dangerous professions. With hazards ranging from falls and collisions to chemical exposure and trenching disasters, laborers in this industry frequently face potential injury or death. 

In May, EGC Construction surpassed five million effort hours (14 years) with no work missed due to injury. The Construction Business Owner (CBO) team spoke with EGC President Tom Belanich about this achievement.

1. What measures has the EGC team taken to accomplish a 14-year safety streak?  

Many of our safety leaders come from our Craftforce, bringing invaluable hands-on experience that enhances communication and drives exceptional results. Every Friday at 6 a.m., our project teams meet to review high-risk work for the upcoming week. That includes conducting on-site safety assessments, extensive preplanning, and training and direction-setting huddles. This ensures every job activity is executed with precision and care. 

2. How can construction business owners implement a zero-injury culture?

Safety has to come first all day every day, from everyone at every level. It’s crucial to build your culture around caring, ownership and continuous improvement. When safety becomes a shared value rather than just a rule, it drives accountability and empowers every individual to take action before issues arise. 

3. What do you see as the biggest safety risk on your jobsites, & how do your workers navigate that? 

One of the most significant safety risks on a jobsite is attempting to perform a task without fully understanding it. To address this, we created a culture where asking questions is not only accepted but expected. We identify potential hazards and align on a well-communicated plan that prioritizes the safety of both our employees and our clients. By making understanding and communication a standard part of our workflow, we reduce risk and empower our teams to work safely and confidently.