Preventing job-site accidents requires drilling into indicators that can flag hazards long before an incident occurs, according to a new workbook designed to help employers do just that.

The key to safety is focusing on leading indicators, rather than lagging indicators, according to CPWR: The Center for Construction Research and Training, which produced “Strengthening Jobsite Safety Climate.”

CPWR

The free workbook is designed to help construction managers, safety professionals and hourly craft workers evaluate and implement good safety practices.

Lagging safety indicators, such as injury and illness rates, do not help companies prevent accidents. Leading indicators, on the other hand, are measures that can drive safer practices. That's where the workbook comes in.

“A good safety climate requires integrating safety concerns into every aspect of a firm’s operations,” the center notes.

8 Indicators

Designed for construction managers, safety professionals and hourly craft workers, the workbook consists of worksheets tailored to each of the eight top leading indicators:

• Demonstrating management commitment;
• Aligning and integrating safety as a value;
• Ensuring accountability at all levels;
• Improving sife safety leadership;
• Empowering and involving workers;
• Improving communication;
• Training at all levels; and
• Encouraging owner/client involvement.

©iStock / asiseeit

The worksheets offer an easy-to-use audit of jobsite safety indicators.

Each worksheet contains a quick self-assessment followed by a list of ideas that owners, contractors and supervisors can implement to improve their safety climate.

The workbook can be downloaded here. Print editions are available while supplies last by contacting CPWR.