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Every industry benefits from mitigated risk — especially when it comes to safety. The construction industry is particularly susceptible to unsafe work conditions that can cause bodily harm — and even fatalities — because of the nature of the projects, work environment, and the tools used to complete daily duties.

And though commercial painters and wallcovering professionals are in a low-risk sector of the construction industry, the safety of field workers is still a high priority for Cochran & Mann.

Naturally, one of the best ways to ensure safety is to work with a qualified safety manager. But what exactly are the advantages of having someone serve in this role? When broken down, the assurances a safety manager can provide throughout a project are invaluable — for both company and client. Below we outline three of the key advantages of having a safety manager.

Advantage #1: Accident & Injury Prevention

In 2017, there were 5,147 fatal work injuries in the U.S., and falls accounted for 17% of worker deaths. Accident and injury prevention is one of the most important advantages of having a safety manager. They are responsible for ensuring a worksite is in proper order and the right safety measures are in place so that any accidents can be avoided — hopefully all together. This is achieved through diligent assessment of the worksite and equipment, understanding the innate risks of a project, and communicating any findings that could put the safety of workers or bystanders at risk.

Advantage #2: Regulatory Compliance Assurance

Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is core to safety management in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor — acts as the governing body when it comes to defining and enforcing safety statutes and regulations. OSHA’s mission statement is “... to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.”

Advantage #3: Promotion of a Healthy Work Environment

Workplace health and safety isn’t simply knowing how to properly operate heavy machinery or wearing the right protective equipment (though both are important). A safety manager must mitigate worker exposure to potentially hazardous situations while also promoting and implementing safer practices for a healthier environment.

For instance, during a workplace inspection, a safety manager will check to assure that conditions are both safe and healthful for workers. Afterward, they will prepare the appropriate notices for management to issue for abatement of any identified hazards.

Say the safety manager found an issue with chemical safety; they wouldn’t simply report this discovery to management. Rather, they would work to provide information about the identities and hazards of the found chemicals and make sure this information is widely available to workers and incorporated throughout the worksite. In doing so, they are actively promoting and advocating for transparent safety measures, which in turn creates a healthier and safer workplace for all.

Cochran & Mann Values Workplace Safety

Carlos Pena has served as the safety manager for Cochran & Mann since 2018. Carlos's primary responsibility is overseeing and maintaining the company's safety program, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Throughout his career, Carlos has gained extensive knowledge of OSHA standards and regulations and has earned national certifications, including OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer and First Aid/CPR. Carlos has served in the construction industry for over 8 years and has worked with a variety of tradesmen within the industry.

At Cochran & Mann, we offer a full range of commercial painting, renovation, and wallcovering services — and always with the necessary safety measures in place. We are proud to deliver efficient, professional craftsmanship of the highest value to a variety of organizations in the Washington, D.C. area and surrounding communities. Contact our friendly and experienced Cochran & Mann team today to learn more and discuss your project needs.