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Contractors face a variety of potential liability exposures every day. Internal exposures, such as poor employment practices or management of workers’ compensation claims, can be minimized with effective planning and administrative execution.
As you begin to take steps to minimize your liability exposures, it’s important to consider both your organization’s past performance and current operations.
If you are a general contractor
If you are a subcontractor
Both general and subcontractors should
Conduct a thorough screening of potential job candidates. Develop a post-offer strategy for new employees you hire. Such a strategy can be used even when working in a collective bargaining environment if there is verification of the language in the written agreement. An effective post-offer strategy could include:
Develop and implement a policy and procedure for reporting injuries and incidents, including near misses. Consider using EMC’s OnCall Nurse program for early triage of an injury, and timely reporting of the incident. Train all employees—from those working in the field to the project managers in the office—on the elements of the policy. Early reporting of injuries is essential and can prevent a small claim from becoming a large, costly one.
Stay on top of your workers’ compensation claims. EMC’s Select Provider Program can help you set up standardized procedures and designate a specific medical facility for injured employees, depending on the laws of your state.
If you are a general contractor, maintain records of your current safety and injury statistics in an easily accessible format. Understand and be able to explain the current status, history and outlook of:
If you use subcontractors, have a plan in place for prequalifying them before they begin work.
Responsibility and accountability are keys to the success of multi-contractor jobs.
Develop a relationship with your local OSHA Consultation Office and consider using their services on your jobsite. The OSHA Strategic Partnership Program is designed to encourage, assist and recognize the efforts made to eliminate serious hazards and achieve model workplace safety and health practices.
You might also consider participating in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This program promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.
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