Safety First, Profits Follow

In today’s fast-paced construction and mechanical contracting industries, safety is often viewed as a compliance requirement rather than a competitive advantage. However, industry leaders argue that a strong safety culture not only protects workers but also enhances profitability and business sustainability. At the 2024 SMACNA Annual Conference, panelists shed light on how small businesses can unlock the true value of safety programs.

The Cost of Cutting Corners
Moderator Justin Crandol, SMACNA Director of Safety, emphasizes that safety is not just about avoiding accidents. It’s about building a culture that supports long-term business success. “Too often, small businesses look at safety as an expense rather than an investment,” Crandol says. “But when you prioritize safety, you see reduced insurance costs, increased worker productivity and a stronger reputation in the industry.”

Jay Hansen, Owner of C.J. Hansen Co., shares firsthand how investing in a safety culture transformed his business. “We used to take a reactive approach to safety, dealing with issues as they came up,” Hansen says. “Once we made safety a core value, not only did our incident rates drop, but we also saw an increase in employee retention and overall efficiency on job sites.” 

How Safety Boosts the Bottom Line 
Insurance premiums, legal fees and downtime from accidents can be major financial burdens for businesses. Justin Cumnock, Broker at Anchor Insurance and Surety Inc., highlighted the insurance benefits of strong safety programs. 

“A company with a solid safety record pays significantly less in premiums over time,” Cumnock says. “Underwriters look at safety history closely, and businesses that proactively manage risk are rewarded with better rates and more favorable terms.”

Beyond insurance, businesses that prioritize safety also experience improved productivity. “When workers feel safe, they work more efficiently,” says Stacey Smyly, Executive Director of SMACNA Kansas City. “They don’t have to hesitate or second-guess their actions because they trust the protocols in place. That level of confidence translates to better performance on the job.” 

Building a Culture of Safety 
Establishing a strong safety culture requires more than policies and checklists; it demands leadership commitment and employee engagement. Hansen emphasized that leadership must set the tone from the top. “If the owner or project manager doesn’t take safety seriously, employees won’t either,” he says. “We make sure our supervisors lead by example, whether it’s wearing PPE or conducting daily safety briefings.” 

Cumnock notes that training is another critical component. “Ongoing training ensures that safety isn’t just a one-time conversation,” he says. “Employees need to understand not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ behind safety protocols.” 

Smyly adds that open communication channels are key to reinforcing a safety-first mindset. “Workers need to feel comfortable reporting hazards without fear of retribution,” she says. “Creating an environment where safety concerns are addressed proactively makes a huge difference.” 

National Safety Month: A Reminder for Businesses 
June is National Safety Month, an initiative led by the National Safety Council (NSC) to raise awareness about workplace safety. This annual campaign serves as a reminder that safety should be a year-round commitment, and not just a one-time initiative.

Crandol encourages businesses to use National Safety Month as an opportunity to reassess their safety programs. “This is a great time to review your policies, conduct refresher training, and engage employees in safety discussions,” he says. “It’s also a chance to celebrate safety successes and recognize employees who uphold safety standards.”

help small construction businesses enhance and improve their safety programs,” she says.

The Takeaway: Safety is Smart Business
The panelists agree that when HVAC and sheet metal businesses prioritize safety, the benefits extend far beyond compliance. From lowering costs and improving productivity to fostering a positive workplace culture, a well-executed safety program is a game-changer.

“Investing in safety isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do,” Hansen says. “The companies that understand this are the ones that thrive.”

For small businesses looking to gain a competitive edge, the message is clear: put safety first, and profits will follow.