Workplace Safety and Employee Engagement

Work-related injuries continue to be a major financial issue for employers, particularly in small construction firms across the United States. The financial burden of serious work-related injuries and illnesses impacts large and small firms alike, as do the hidden indirect costs that come with work-related injuries, such as lost work time, replacement workers, administrative costs, low morale, and decreased productivity. This paper presents a case study of a U.S.-based construction firm which dramatically reduced its number of on-the-job injuries. The company’s efforts to alter its corporate culture to promote safety are discussed, and the specific strategies that were implemented are outlined. The relationship between workplace safety and employee engagement is also explored in this research. This research offers practical solutions to address the growing challenges of small construction firms in their efforts to improve worker safety, reduce accidents and increase profits.