Legal and Regulatory

How Contractors Can Build Their Reputation for Safety and Quality

Electrical contractors and builders should invest in training programs that keep employees up to date on the latest products, industry-wide codes and requirements, and company-specific safety policies.
By Bradford Wills
April 9, 2018
Topics
Legal and Regulatory

Construction starts continue to be on a steady rise, meaning contractors are taking on more projects with no additional labor to complete them. While it can be tempting to skimp on quality products and services, safety and quality are intertwined, so there’s no room for lax building practices. Builders must be focused on providing higher levels of safety and consider installing solutions that incorporate safety measures that go beyond minimum code requirements.

Positive customer feedback is key to business success; builders and contractors not only need to make sure their projects are completed on time and on budget, they should look for ways to ensure the quality of their work is exceeding that of their competition. With key investments continuing in both safety and quality, contractors can benefit in the long run.

Invest in worker safety

According to Electrical Safety Foundation International’s latest report, there was a 15 percent increase in occupational electrical fatalities between 2015 and 2016. The same report found younger workers were 2.3 times more likely to experience fatalities than more experienced workers. Given the nature of the work, electrical contractors and builders must put a large emphasis on safety to protect both their workers and their customers.

Investing in safety is not just a good faith gesture, it is a must-have for builders large and small. It is paramount that contractors emphasize a culture of safety within their businesses. To do so, electrical contractors and builders should invest in training programs that keep employees at every level up to date on the latest products, industry-wide codes and requirements, and company-specific safety policies. With reminders early and often, safety information can be absorbed more accurately and the information learned can have an effect on every project worked. For example, businesses can set aside time during their daily or weekly meetings to review safety protocols or requirements, answer questions and discuss new ways of approaching tasks to promote safer working environments. Ensuring a company’s culture emphasizes safety at every level is an important step in making sure every employee and customer is safe.

Beyond formalized safety trainings, contractors should also make safety information readily available for employees while on the job. For example, electronic portals equip contractors with the information they need anytime and anywhere via mobile devices. With knowledge on demand, contractors can improve jobsite safety and ensure the products they use enhance the safety of builders’ customers.

Build beyond the code

According to the NFPA, there were 1,342,000 fires reported in the U.S. in 2016, which caused 3,390 civilian deaths, 14,650 civilian injuries and $10.6 billion in property damage. To help combat fires across the U.S. the National Electrical Code (NEC) was created to set the foundation for residential, commercial and industrial occupancies, but NEC code adoption varies by state. Currently, states that have adopted the 2011 NEC, 2014 NEC and 2017 NEC total 42, leaving five states that have adopted the 2008 NEC and three that have no statewide NEC adoption.

Builders and contractors have the choice to build to code, or build beyond the code, to fully protect against electrical fires related to arc faults. By building beyond the code, builders not only provide safer environments, they also create new opportunities for their businesses. To build beyond the code, dual function circuit breakers, which combine arc fault and ground fault technology into one circuit breaker, can be used to eliminate the need for costly ground fault receptacles. Dual function circuit breakers not only offer protection against electrical fires and electrocution, but offer diagnostic technology that can identify the type of fault (arc, ground or thermal) that has occurred. By using this technology, builders can ensure their customers’ safety while increasing profits and reaping the benefits of a reputation for high quality.

Improve project management capabilities

Builders today must take on more projects with the same amount of labor. To do so, they need to use project management technology to help them work smarter and more efficiently. By utilizing project management tools like scheduling and tracking software, project leaders are given access to the information they need to make better business decisions. In addition, businesses can use tools or portals to provide each employee with access to product, safety or regulatory information. By ensuring each person in the company – business owners, leaders and new hires – is equipped with more information, the company as a whole can provide customers with high quality output.

Safety and quality are two of the most important qualities that ensure builders fulfill their customers’ needs and stay ahead of the competition. Now more than ever, building a reputation for safety and quality should be top of mind. With the right tools and practices in place, electrical contractors and builders can improve both worker and customer safety while delivering the best quality products and services possible.

by Bradford Wills

Bradford Wills is Director, Strategic Customers and Programs, Schneider Electric. In his 25 year career at Schneider Electric, Brad has served in many roles including market research, product management and development, segment sales management, channel management and US marketing operations. He is responsible for strategic development and execution of marketing and business programs for Schneider Electric’s final distribution equipment business marketed under the Square D by Schneider Electric brand. Brad earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky in 1993.

Related stories

Legal and Regulatory
Final Build America, Buy America Act Guidance Released
By P. Lee Smith and Greggory C. Maddaleni
This new guidance tightens U.S. content requirements for federally funded infrastructure projects, expands the definition of infrastructure and provides calculation methodologies for manufactured products.
Legal and Regulatory
A Look at Trending Legislative Changes Impacting Workers' Comp
By Rosanna Shamash
Could three recently enacted changes in New York State affect workers' compensation cases across the country for the construction industry?
Legal and Regulatory
How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck Out of the Infrastructure Bill
By Rich Meene
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorizes $550 billion in new funding for infrastructure projects. Here's how to position your company for success when pursuing these opportunities.

Follow us




Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the know with the latest industry news, technology and our weekly features. Get early access to any CE events and webinars.