Zero Harm: A Decade Later

Zero Harm: A decade later

Fewer building costs

Shorter schedules

Less cost growth

Learn about our commitment to safety

· Building Cost Savings · Waste Minimization

· Inventory Optimization · Innovation and Collaboration

How we led by example

We had a lofty goal: Eliminate construction accidents and champion construction safety.

Learn about our journey

We believed changing the status quo was possible by advocating for the safety of everyone in contact with our jobsites. Our first step in 2009 was launching a global safety program, Zero Harm, founded on three principles:

A look back

The solution

Since 2014, construction prices have risen 5% year over year. Several factors contribute to this trend.

Learn our process

It’s critical for owners to partner with experienced design-build contractors like Balfour Beatty. Our work on design-build projects across the U.S. has taught us that communication is the cornerstone of success and risk mitigation on a design-build project.

A look forward

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Our goal: Change the industry

As an industry, we haven’t done enough. In 2018, 1,003 construction workers lost their lives due to workplace injuries -- a number similar to the fatalities the industry experienced when OSHA was founded in 1971. We know we need to continue innovating and implementing programs to address the issue, including:

Pre-task planning

Knowledge sharing

Data

Ten years ago, construction safety policies were largely driven by insurance premiums. Contractors believed accidents would always happen, because construction is an inherently dangerous profession.

Zero ruined lives among all our people

Zero injuries to the public

Zero deaths

2010

2020

Technology

Data

We started by tracking more comprehensive jobsite data to identify and prevent the root causes of safety incidents. This data led to some important discoveries, for example that many injuries occurred while ladders were being used. As a result, Balfour Beatty instituted a ladder policy with requirements that exceed OSHA’s. It’s just one of the many ways we go above and beyond the industry standard.

Pre-task planning

Knowledge sharing

Technological advancements like off-site manufacturing and other automations are moving work into safer, more predictable environments. Our tools are becoming lighter, faster and more responsive.

These can fit in tighter spaces, reach higher heights and reduce the need for scaffolding and ladders.

Battery powered scissor lifts

Technology

In pre-task planning (PTP) meetings, crews gather to create a work plan, identify likely hazards and develop solutions to mitigate or eliminate associated risks. Although the process is not new to the past decade, its widespread adoption as a pre-work practice very much is.

We are proud to see trade partners sharing the safety practices they learned on Balfour Beatty jobsites across the industry. We also see the industry tapping into the power of mobile apps, social media and working with some of the following organizations to openly communicate ways we can all become safer:

• The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) • Associated General Contractors (AGC) • Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) • The Lean Construction Institute (LCI)

Partners in safety

These make it faster and safer to inspect construction activities, especially those at height.

Drones

These are reducing slip and trip hazards.

Cordless tools

Zero Harm shouldn’t be a lofty goal. It’s one we believe we can accomplish together, with our trade partners and fellow contractors.

Continuing critical conversations about mental health and suicide prevention

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance

Provide ongoing training opportunities

Create safe environments for people to speak up about safety without the fear of retaliation or judgment

Learn More

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