A renowned general contractor based in Denver, widely recognized for delivering high-quality projects on time, found itself facing a serious challenge. While the general contractor maintained an impeccable safety record for its own operations, its numerous subcontractors repeatedly failed to meet safety mandates. As the company’s workload grew, particularly during the busy building season of spring, summer, and early fall in the Rocky Mountain region, the number of accidents rose sharply. This issue was exacerbated when subcontractors fell behind schedule and were pressured to expedite work, leading to even more safety violations.
Realizing the increasing risks to both their projects and reputation, the general contractor sought the expertise of JPS Global Advisors and Consultant to develop a solution that would bring subcontractor safety performance in line with their own high standards.
Challenges Identified
After a thorough assessment, JPS pinpointed several root causes of the safety issues:
- Inconsistent Safety Practices Among Subcontractors: Each subcontractor had its own set of safety procedures (or lack thereof), many of which did not meet the general contractor’s safety standards.
- Lack of Accountability: Subcontractors did not feel sufficiently accountable for safety breaches, often prioritizing speed over safety to meet project deadlines.
- Inadequate Safety Training: Many subcontractors were not providing their employees with adequate safety training, especially for high-risk activities on the construction site.
- Pressure to Expedite Work: As the general contractor pushed subcontractors to catch up on delayed schedules, the pressure led to rushed work, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
JPS Solutions
1. Implementing a Comprehensive Safety Compliance Program JPS introduced a Subcontractor Safety Compliance Program specifically designed for the general contractor. This program set clear expectations, mandatory compliance guidelines, and accountability measures for all subcontractors working on the company’s projects. Key components included:
- Standardized Safety Requirements: All subcontractors were required to follow the same stringent safety protocols used by the general contractor, ensuring uniform safety practices across the board.
- Contractual Safety Clauses: JPS worked with the general contractor to revise subcontractor agreements, adding enforceable safety clauses. Non-compliance would result in financial penalties, project delays, or termination of the contract if repeated violations occurred.
2. Establishing a Safety Performance Monitoring System To ensure ongoing compliance, JPS developed a real-time safety performance monitoring system. This system involved:
- On-Site Safety Audits: JPS safety professionals conducted regular, unannounced safety audits on subcontractor worksites to ensure adherence to safety standards. Any violations were documented and addressed immediately.
- Subcontractor Safety Scorecards: JPS introduced safety scorecards for each subcontractor, which tracked their safety performance. Subcontractors with high scores were incentivized with future project opportunities, while those with lower scores faced corrective measures.
3. Enhancing Subcontractor Training JPS identified the need for more rigorous safety training for subcontractor employees. As a result, we:
- Developed a Mandatory Training Program: Subcontractors were required to send their workers to a training program developed by JPS, covering site-specific risks, fall protection, equipment handling, and hazard recognition. This training was updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations and on-site conditions.
- Onboarding Safety Orientations: JPS mandated that all new subcontractor hires undergo a site-specific safety orientation conducted by the general contractor’s safety team, with support from JPS advisors.
4. Addressing the “Rush to Complete” Mentality To counter the unsafe acceleration of work when subcontractors fell behind, JPS:
- Implemented Scheduling Flexibility: We helped the general contractor design more flexible project timelines that allowed for additional safety checks and slowed down rushed jobs without compromising deadlines.
- Incentivized Safety over Speed: Instead of penalizing subcontractors solely for delays, JPS introduced a system that rewarded subcontractors for adhering to safety protocols while maintaining productivity. This shift in focus helped align the subcontractors' priorities with the general contractor’s safety-first culture.
5. Promoting a Collaborative Safety Culture JPS fostered a collaborative environment between the general contractor and its subcontractors through:
- Joint Safety Committees: We established joint safety committees where representatives from both the general contractor and subcontractors could meet regularly to discuss safety performance, share best practices, and address any concerns before they became problems.
- Clear Communication Channels: JPS implemented communication protocols to ensure that any safety concerns could be quickly escalated and resolved. This included designated safety liaisons for both the general contractor and subcontractors, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Results
After JPS Global Advisors and Consultant’s safety overhaul, the general contractor experienced:
- A 40% reduction in subcontractor-related accidents within the first year.
- 100% compliance with the new safety standards among subcontractors, with significant improvement in adherence to safety protocols during high-pressure periods.
- Increased subcontractor accountability through safety scorecards and performance incentives, which led to more careful and compliant worksite practices.
- Improved project timelines with fewer delays caused by accidents and safety violations, ensuring projects stayed on schedule without compromising safety.
JPS successfully transformed the subcontractor safety culture, allowing the general contractor to continue its operations without sacrificing its impeccable reputation for safety and quality.
Partner with JPS Global Advisors and Consultant to Ensure Subcontractor Safety Compliance
Don’t let non-compliance from subcontractors threaten your projects and reputation. At JPS Global Advisors and Consultant, we specialize in creating tailored safety solutions that drive results and reduce risks across your worksites. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve subcontractor safety compliance and ensure a safer, more efficient building season.
Call us today 1 (214) 227-2383 or email us info@jpsglobaladvisorsandconsultant.com
Navigating Complexity, Delivering Success