Many small and mid-sized construction companies often hesitate to hire a dedicated safety coordinator, seeing it as an unnecessary expense. But experts say that decision can lead to costly problems as a business grows.
Shawn Gentry, Senior Loss Control Construction Manager at Central Insurance, points out that safety is more than just following rules or filling out paperwork. It also affects how productive a job site is, how claims are handled, and how much business owners have to spend fixing problems instead of focusing on their work.
Some contractors feel confident when they haven’t had many accidents. But this can be misleading. Without a safety coordinator to keep an eye on everyday risks, small hazards can start to seem normal. Over time, these unchecked risks can lead to serious incidents. Gentry warns that when no one is managing safety on site, a major claim is often just a matter of time.
A lot of the hesitation to invest in safety coordinators comes down to cost and the idea that safety might slow work down. But according to Gentry, this mindset usually shifts after a big accident happens.
Many people think a safety coordinator is just there to enforce rules strictly. In reality, their job is to create order in a fast-moving and pressure-filled environment. They help spot hazards before work begins, make sure training is done consistently, and keep clear records. These efforts help crews work safely without slowing down projects.
Having consistent safety practices becomes even more important as teams get larger and projects more complex. Informal approaches might work for small groups, but they fall apart as a company expands. A safety coordinator helps keep everything running smoothly.
When incidents do occur, having a safety coordinator already in place can reduce confusion and support a quicker, more organized response. If safety isn’t managed well, company leaders may be forced to make quick decisions in a crisis, which can lead to bigger problems.
Safety leadership also influences the overall culture of a company. Workers who don’t feel supported might not report small injuries or near misses, letting hazards stick around. This silence can damage trust and increase employee turnover. Having someone dedicated to safety encourages workers to speak up and helps build a culture where safety is taken seriously.
Central Insurance supports construction companies by providing safety expertise through their loss control specialists. These experts help identify risks and provide practical advice tailored to real-world job sites. They also offer access to a library of safety resources for ongoing training.
Adding a safety coordinator to your team can help turn good intentions into good habits. It keeps safety a clear priority and supports steady growth without sacrificing well-being. Contractors thinking about improving their safety program can reach out to agents at Central for more information and support.