When deadlines are tight and costs are high, it’s tempting to focus on speed and budget alone. But failing to prioritize workplace safety can lead to project delays, higher insurance premiums, costly fines, and in the worst cases, serious injuries or fatalities.
That’s why safety-first companies are the partners you want on your job site. They bring peace of mind, a culture of care, and a commitment to long-term project success.
The True Cost of Overlooking Workplace Safety
Every year, thousands of preventable accidents occur on U.S. job sites, costing businesses billions in direct and indirect expenses. According to the National Safety Council, the total cost of work injuries in 2023 alone exceeded $176 billion. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, decreased productivity, and administrative costs—not to mention reputational damage.
When you work with contractors who don’t invest in a strong safety program, you’re accepting a higher level of risk. Safety issues can halt a job site due to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations, expose your company to lawsuits, or cause avoidable harm to workers. By contrast, companies with a proactive safety strategy lower these risks across the board.
What Sets a Safety-First Company Apart?
Not all contractors approach safety the same way. A safety-first partner doesn’t just follow OSHA standards—they embed safety into every aspect of operations. These are the qualities to look for:
A Strong Safety Culture
From the executive level to the job site, leadership sets the tone. At RP Gas Piping, OSHA meetings are held weekly, allowing employees to review updated OSHA rules and regulations, discuss near-misses, and reinforce job-specific safety procedures. This top-down commitment builds consistency, accountability, and a shared responsibility for employee safety.
Regular and Relevant Safety Training
Training isn’t one-and-done for safety-first companies. They offer weekly safety training, occupational training, and recertification on safety protocols to ensure every team member is prepared for current job conditions. At RP Gas Piping, the workers stay certified in required procedures and technologies through annual recertifications and job-specific refreshers.
Empowered Employees and Open Communication
In a safety-first environment, employees are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation. These companies build trust by acting on feedback and improving protocols based on frontline insights. Workers aren’t just responsible for their own safety, but also actively contribute to improving the overall safety program.
Measurable Safety Outcomes and Transparent Records
You should always ask prospective contractors for their EMR insurance rating, also called an EMOD rating. The Experience Modification Rate (EMR) reflects a company’s claims history compared to the industry average. An EMR of 1.0 is average; anything lower suggests better-than-average safety performance.
RP Gas Piping proudly maintains an EMR of 0.78—a strong indicator of fewer incidents, effective risk management, and consistent workplace safety.
Why EMR and EMOD Ratings Matter for Your Business
When evaluating partners, EMR rating should be a key consideration. Here’s why:
- Lower EMR = Lower Risk: A contractor with a low EMR has demonstrated the ability to manage safety concerns effectively and prevent costly incidents.
- Insurance Implications: Insurance companies often base premium rates on EMR scores. Lower scores mean lower premiums, which can result in more competitive project bids.
- Prequalification Standard: Many general contractors and project owners use EMR as a threshold requirement when selecting subcontractors.
Hiring a partner with a poor EMR might expose your business to safety issues, project delays, and higher insurance costs. On the other hand, a company like RP Gas Piping—with a proven safety record and an EMR of 0.78—offers assurance that you’re working with professionals who take their responsibilities seriously.
How Safety-First Partners Improve Job Site Performance
When you partner with a company with a strong safety record, the benefits go far beyond injury prevention. Here’s what you can expect:
Fewer Project Delays
OSHA citations or accidents can halt operations, stall inspections, or delay permit approvals. Safety-first companies stay ahead of OSHA rules and regulations, keeping your job site running on schedule.
Greater Efficiency and Morale
Workers perform better when they feel protected and supported. A culture that values safety improves employee satisfaction and reduces turnover, both of which translate to fewer disruptions on the job.
Lower Legal and Financial Risk
With fewer incidents and better documentation, you’re less likely to face legal disputes or liability claims. Plus, lower EMOD ratings can help control long-term costs and reduce the administrative burden of managing incidents.
Improved Reputation
Your project is only as good as your partners. When you work with companies known for prioritizing employee safety, it reflects positively on your own brand. Clients, investors, and regulators will notice.
OSHA Standards and Why Compliance Isn’t Optional
Compliance with OSHA standards is the baseline, not the goal. Contractors who simply “check the box” may still cut corners. Safety-first companies stay ahead of OSHA updates by monitoring the Federal Register, maintaining certified trainers, and designing site-specific safety protocols.
RP Gas Piping’s weekly OSHA meetings are not just for review—they actively discuss how changing regulations apply to current projects. This real-time integration of compliance helps avoid surprises during audits or inspections.
Some of the most common citations in construction and industrial projects involve:
- Fall protection violations.
- Inadequate hazard communication.
- Scaffolding and ladder misuse.
- Lack of proper PPE enforcement.
- Electrical system hazards.
A good contractor already has protocols in place to address these, reinforced through training and regular safety evaluations.
Warning Signs: How to Spot a Contractor Who Neglects Safety
Even if a contractor says the right things, their actions (or inactions) may tell a different story. Be cautious if you notice:
- No documented safety program or training plan.
- Poor or missing EMR rating.
- Inconsistent use of PPE on-site.
- Unwillingness to provide OSHA logs or training certificates.
- Little to no discussion of hazard controls during walkthroughs.
Choosing the wrong partner could expose your business to greater safety concerns than you anticipated.
Conclusion
When every project decision affects your timeline, budget, and reputation, partnering with a safety-first company is one of the smartest choices you can make. Ask for safety documentation. Look at EMR scores. Review their safety training programs. Ask how they integrate OSHA updates. If they can’t answer clearly, move on.
If you find a partner like RP Gas Piping—with a robust safety program, transparent results, and a low EMR—hold onto them. Because on a job site, safety isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in success.
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/work-injury-costs/