According to a study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of
America (“AGCA”), construction fatality rates have declined
47% since the passage in 1998 of federal oversight legislation that introduced
a “collaborative safety” approach, safety incidents declined
by 38% over the same time period.
This collaborative approach rewards contractors for finding and fixing
safety problems before an accident occurs. The legislation provides for
stiff penalties for companies that permit safety problems to exist until
someone is hurt or killed.
During the 1998-2007 study period, the value and size of the construction
market grew significantly, according to Chuck Penn, the executive director
of the AGCA’s Shreveport chapter. Thus, the major decrease in accidents
and deaths is even more remarkable.
[Source: “National Construction Fatality Rate Declines 47%, Associated
General Contractors of America,” 8/25/09 news release on housingzone.com]
Construction Safety Record Shows Remarkable Progress since 1998
Posted By
The Gilbert Law Group