The Cost of Silence in Construction Safety

May marks Construction Safety Week, a pivotal period for the construction industry to spotlight construction safety and risk prevention. With construction workers facing some of the most hazardous conditions (accounting for nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths in 2022) it's imperative to prioritize job site safety not just this week, but year-round.

The True Cost of Workplace Injuries in Construction

Picture a bustling job site on a hot afternoon. Despite the heat, your crew is powering through their tasks and making great progress. With a deadline looming, no one wants to take a break... until suddenly someone trips over an unmarked hazard and falls off the scaffolding.

This is a fairly common scenario, and unfortunately, it’s one that can have serious consequences. Fall-related injuries and fatalities are just one example of safety hazards in construction that can lead to substantial financial and human costs.

Even injuries like sprains and cuts that don’t require hospitalization can add up — the total cost of workplace injuries in the US is estimated to be around $170 billion per year.

Direct Costs

Workplace injuries lead to immediate expenses, including:

• Workers’ compensation benefits
• Medical treatment (emergency services, hospitalization, rehabilitation)
• Legal settlements
• Administrative costs for case management and investigations

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that employers shell out an astonishing $1 billion each and every week in workers' compensation claims, and the construction industry is among the hardest hit.

Indirect Costs

Beyond the immediate expenses, injuries incur hidden costs:

• Hiring and training replacements (related reading: how to hire safe workers)
• Overtime wages for other employees who have to compensate for the missing labor
• HR costs for any related worker relations issues
• Increased insurance premiums
• Project delays and decreased productivity
• Damage to equipment and materials due to the accident
• Reputation damage
• Erosion of workplace culture

The Human Cost of Workplace Injuries

The hefty price tag of workplace injuries isn’t just financial; it also affects your team’s morale and productivity. After an injury, workers may take time off to recover or even decide to leave the job altogether due to fear of further harm. This can cause a huge disruption for employers already struggling with the skilled labor shortage and can put a strain on the team’s morale. On top of that, workplace injuries can lead to distrust between employees and employers if there is a perception that safety was overlooked for the sake of speed or cost-cutting. Additionally, companies that neglect employee engagement and safety often find it harder to retain talent and maintain performance. Building their trust requires demonstrating that worker safety is a non-negotiable core value.

The Cost of Silence in Construction Safety & Why Workers STay Silent

A hard hat that’s slightly cracked or a tattered safety harness might not seem like a big deal at the time, but ignoring even small safety concerns can have serious consequences. And if employees don't feel safe reporting safety concerns at work, these minor issues can become major accidents.

There are a number of reasons why workers remain silent in the face of potential job site safety hazards including:

• Fear of retaliation from employers
• Lack of confidence in identifying hazards
• Distrust in leadership to take action
• Unawareness of rights under OSHA regulations

These challenges reinforce the need for clear, proactive safety communication strategies. Encouraging open communication is vital. Workers must feel empowered to speak up, and employers must be receptive and responsive.

But how do you get your team to open up?

Empowering Workers to Speak Up About Safety Hazards

When it comes to construction safety, everyone on the job site has a part to play. Employers need to provide a safe work environment, but employees also need to speak up when they see potential hazards.

Empowering workers to speak up about safety concerns is the only way to ensure that all hazards are caught and addressed before they become a problem. Here are a few tips for creating an open dialogue and encouraging your team to get vocal about safety hazards:

1. Provide Comprehensive Training

Regular construction safety training boosts confidence and awareness on how to prevent workplace accidents.

2. Facilitate Open Communication

Create channels for anonymous feedback and direct conversations. Make reporting safety concerns at work easy and stigma-free.

3. Recognize and Reward Proactivity

Acknowledge employees who proactively address safety issues. Recognition can motivate others to follow suit.

4. Act Promptly on Reports

Demonstrate commitment by addressing reported hazards swiftly. This builds trust and reinforces the importance of safety.

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By taking these practical steps, you're not only preventing workplace injuries, but you're also creating an environment where your team feels heard and valued. And when employees feel safe and appreciated, they're more likely to be engaged and productive. Plus, prioritizing safety can also help you stand out in a competitive industry.

Building a Robust Safety Culture

A strong safety culture doesn't happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and commitment from all levels of an organization.

Key components of creating a culture of safety include:

• Leadership Commitment: Leaders must prioritize safety and model appropriate behaviors.
• Employee Involvement: Engage workers in safety planning and decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and refine safety protocols.
• Accountability: Hold everyone responsible for maintaining safety standards.

Fostering a strong construction safety culture is an ongoing commitment that requires buy-in from everyone on the team, starting at the top. When safety becomes part of the daily routine rather than just a compliance checkbox, it sends a clear message: every worker’s life and well-being matters. And in an industry where trust, productivity, and retention are always on the line, that message makes all the difference. A culture built on safety is a culture where people show up, speak up, and stick around.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Safety Communication

In the construction industry, clear and timely communication can be the difference between preventing an accident and reacting to one. But on busy job sites with shifting crews, language barriers, and tight deadlines, it’s not always easy to keep everyone aligned.

That’s where workforce communication technology comes in. With tools like Team Engine, construction companies can streamline how construction safety information is shared and how employee feedback is gathered—no meetings, paper forms, or third-party translators required. Instead, companies can send safety reminders via text, run quick pulse surveys to check if workers feel safe, and gather anonymous feedback on potential hazards. These digital touchpoints give workers an easy, accessible way to speak up, especially those who may be hesitant to raise concerns face-to-face.

Ways Technology Improves Construction Safety Communication:

• Reach every worker instantly, no matter their role, location, or shift
• Break down language barriers with automated translation
• Encourage reporting by offering anonymous options
• Track trends over time to proactively address emerging safety issues
• Create accountability by documenting reports and follow-up actions

These features build trust, and when employees see that their concerns are acknowledged and acted on, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged, alert, and committed to the team’s success. Construction may always carry risk, but with the right tools in place, silence doesn’t have to be one of them.

A Safer Industry Starts With a Stronger Voice

Construction Safety Week is more than a campaign; it’s a reminder that construction safety is a shared responsibility. But that responsibility doesn't mean much if your team doesn’t feel empowered to speak up. Creating a culture of safety starts by removing the barriers to communication, making it easy for every worker (on every crew, every shift, every site) to be heard.

That’s where Team Engine comes in, giving your workforce the tools to report hazards, share concerns, and stay informed. You’re not just preventing accidents; you’re building trust, reducing turnover, and protecting the future of your business.

If you’re serious about safety, it’s time to get serious about how you communicate with your team. Schedule a demo to see how Team Engine can help.

_{This article was originally published on May 1, 2023. It was last updated on May 7, 2025.}