Managing Subcontractor Safety

Task force research shows that, where subcontractor safety is concerned, the role of project managers is very important. On large and small projects alike, emphasizing safety and providing quality coordination have a favorable impact on the safety of subcontractors. On small projects, sub-contractor safety performance also was influenced by the quality of the project management existent on the job and the degree to which workers were dealt with in a humanitarian or personal manner.

The long-term impact of providing a job environment that improves overall job safety is that construction costs will decline. The improved safety records of all parties involved will directly increase job profits. Subcontractors will be better able to perform their work when coordination is thorough and clear. Thus, the subcontractors will be able to bid lower on subsequent projects. As this study has shown, the number of job-related injuries will decrease. General contractors must act responsibly in project management or safety performance will be adversely affected.

Since the general contractors have a significant influence on their sub-contractors, owners too will have an influence on the safety performances of the general contractor and subcontractor. Thus, it can be inferred from the results of this study that owners also play a major role in construction safety.