Survey Says Skilled Worker Shortages Impact Safety on Jobsites

In its Q3 2018 Commercial Construction Index, the USG Corporation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that the scarce labor pool is affecting more than performance and jobsite efficiency. According to survey respondents, 80 percent of contractors say that skilled labor shortages also impact jobsite safety.

In addition to the skilled labor shortage, contractors say safety risks are compounded by shortened construction schedules, an aging workforce and substance abuse.

In general, the survey found contractors are optimistic about the market with long backlogs, high rates of new business, projected revenue growth. More than half of contractors want to hire more people but are equally concerned with available workforce skill levels.

Related to this, the number one factor increasing safety risk on the jobsite as reported by respondents is a lack of workers with sufficient skills. Among trade contractors, 45% select lack of workers with sufficient skills as a Top 3 safety risk factor. That number goes up when reported by general contractors.

The top strategies used by contractors to reduce risks related to workforce shortages are:

• 63%--Improved safety climate on job sites
  
• 58%--Improved safety culture at firm
• 48%--More leadership training for supervisors
• 34%--Tracking and assessing safety records
• 33%--Use of safety-enhancing technologies

Among the best practices that contractors believe have the greatest impact on improving safety culture are:

• 67%--Safety training at all levels
  
• 53%--Ensuring accountability for safety at all levels
• 48%--Empowering and involving employees in safety programs
• 46%--Improving communication about safety
• 46%--Demonstrating management commitment to safety
• 43%--Improving supervisory leadership
• 42%--Aligning and integrating safety as a value
• 24%--Encouraging owner/client involvement in safety
  

Download the full report, which provides additional details on safety issues, workforce trends, access to financings, and materials and equipment market trends, or get more information at www.commercialconstructionindex.com.