Contractor Safety Basics: Protecting Your Crew and Business

Construction safety basics include proper PPE (hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots), fall protection above 6 feet, tool safety training, hazard communication, and documented safety programs. One serious injury can cost $50,000-$100,000+ and destroy a small contractor's business. Safety is both an ethical obligation and a business necessity.

Why Safety Matters

The Real Costs of Injuries

Small Contractor Reality

One serious injury can:

• Wipe out a year's profit
• Make you uninsurable
• End your business

Safety isn't overhead—it's survival.

Essential PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Required on Most Job Sites

Activity-Specific PPE

PPE Requirements for Crew

• Provide appropriate PPE (employer responsibility)
• Train on proper use (not just "wear it")
• Enforce consistently (no exceptions)
• Replace when damaged (don't let crew use broken equipment)

Fall Protection

When Required

OSHA requires fall protection at:

• 6 feet in general construction
• 4 feet in general industry
• Any height above dangerous equipment

Fall Protection Methods

Ladder Safety

Scaffold Safety

• Inspect before each use
• Ensure proper construction
• Use guardrails on all open sides
• Maintain 3x width-to-height ratio
• Access via ladder, not climbing frame
• No work in bad weather

Tool Safety

Power Tool Basics

Common Tool Hazards

Hand Tool Safety

• Use right tool for the job
• Keep tools maintained (sharp, clean)
• Store properly (not in pockets going up ladders)
• Carry properly (pointed ends down)
• Never use damaged tools

Electrical Safety

Basic Rules

• Assume all wires are live until verified
• Use GFCI protection on all cords
• Inspect cords before use
• Never bypass grounding
• Keep water away from electricity
• Know your limits (when to call electrician)

Extension Cord Rules

Excavation Safety

When Required

Any trench deeper than 5 feet requires protective systems.

Protection Options

General Rules

• Call before you dig (811)
• Inspect daily and after weather
• Keep materials away from edge
• Provide access (ladder within 25 feet)
• Never enter unprotected trench

Hazard Communication

Chemical Safety

For any hazardous chemicals used:

• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) — Available and accessible
• Labels — On all containers
• Training — How to use safely
• PPE — As specified in SDS

Common Construction Chemicals

Safety Program Basics

For Small Contractors

At minimum:

1. Written safety policy (even simple one)
2. Hazard assessment (each job)
3. Training (documented)
4. PPE program (provide, enforce)
5. Incident reporting (track all injuries)

Toolbox Talks

Brief (5-10 minute) safety discussions:

• Daily or weekly
• Relevant to current work
• Documented attendance
• Employee participation

Topics:

• Today's specific hazards
• PPE reminders
• Recent incidents (yours or industry)
• Seasonal hazards (heat, cold, etc.)

Incident Investigation

When injuries occur:

1. Immediate care for injured
2. Secure scene (prevent additional injury)
3. Investigate what happened
4. Document findings
5. Implement prevention measures
6. Report as required (workers comp, OSHA if serious)

OSHA Basics

What OSHA Requires

• Safe workplace (free from recognized hazards)
• Compliance with standards
• Record keeping (for larger employers)
• Posting requirements

Small Employer Exemptions

Employers with 10 or fewer employees:

• Exempt from routine record keeping (300 logs)
• Still must comply with all safety standards
• Still must report serious injuries

When OSHA Visits

• Be cooperative but careful
• Designate one spokesperson
• Document everything
• Don't volunteer unnecessary information
• Know your rights (can require warrant for non-public areas)

OSHA Penalties (2024)

Safety Culture

Building Safety Into Your Business

• Lead by example (wear PPE, follow rules yourself)
• Consistent enforcement (no favorites)
• Empower crew to stop unsafe work
• Reward safe behavior (not just punish unsafe)
• Learn from incidents (near misses too)

Signs of Good Safety Culture

• Crew wears PPE without being told
• People speak up about hazards
• Near misses are reported
• Safety suggestions welcomed
• No shortcuts taken

FAQ

What PPE is required on a construction site?

Minimum varies by site, but typically: hard hat (overhead hazards), safety glasses (flying debris), hearing protection (loud equipment), steel-toe boots (heavy materials), and high-visibility vests (traffic areas).

What height requires fall protection?

6 feet in general construction per OSHA. Some states require it at 4 feet. Any height above dangerous equipment or machinery.

Do small contractors need a written safety program?

While not always legally required for very small employers, a written program protects you legally, reduces incidents, and demonstrates to clients and insurers that you take safety seriously.

What happens if a worker is injured on my job site?

File workers comp claim, investigate the incident, document everything, implement prevention measures, and report to OSHA if serious (death, hospitalization, amputation, or loss of eye).

How often should safety training be conducted?

New hire training before starting work. Toolbox talks daily or weekly. Annual refreshers on major topics. Additional training when new hazards or equipment are introduced.

Can I be held personally liable for worker injuries?

Workers comp generally provides exclusive remedy, but gross negligence or willful safety violations can pierce that protection. Officers and owners can be personally liable in some circumstances.

The Bottom Line

Construction safety basics:

1. PPE — Provide, train, enforce
2. Fall protection — Above 6 feet
3. Tool safety — Guards, training, maintenance
4. Documentation — Training, incidents, hazard assessments
5. Culture — Lead by example, empower crew

One serious injury can end your business. Safety isn't a cost—it's an investment in survival.

Related: Construction Crew Management | Contractor Insurance Basics