Safety Net | September 2023

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, and its importance in the workplace cannot be overstated. In this article, we’ll explore the prevalence of sleep deprivation among shift workers, the powerful connection between healthy sleep habits and employee performance, and practical tips on how you can improve your sleep hygiene. By arming EHS professionals with the knowledge and strategies they need, we can create a work environment where employees feel rested, can perform their duties safely, and the full potential of the team is unlocked.

Let’s start by shining a light on the prevalence of sleep deprivation in the workplace. Industries that require round-the-clock operations face unique challenges when it comes to sleep deprivation. Irregular schedules and disruptions to the circadian rhythm can have a significant impact on the sleep quality of workers, putting them at a high risk of experiencing sleep-related issues such as insomnia, in comparison to traditional daytime workers. Moreover, shift work is associated with chronically impaired cognition and increased risk of chronic disease. This alarming statistic underscores the need to address sleeprelated challenges in the workplace to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of these employees.

Now, let’s discover how to spot sleep deprivation among your employees. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep deprivation, EHS professionals can truly move the needle in creating a healthier, safer work environment. Understanding the impact of sleep on employee performance, safety and overall well-being is essential. Look out for excessive fatigue, reduced alertness, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, and a greater likelihood of making errors. When you notice these red flags, you can act quickly and intervene to support their well-being.

The good news is that the data shows that healthy sleep habits play an important role in employee performance.

On the other hand, sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and an increased risk of accidents.

EHS professionals can create safer work environments within their organizations by championing healthy sleep habits. By creating awareness about the benefits of good sleep and educating staff on sleep hygiene, EHS professionals can positively support employees’ sleep health.

An organization and its employees can be allies to promote healthy sleep habits. First, by understanding that more quality sleep can lead to more resilience, better concentration, and memory, but also better mood and less mistakes at work. Second, by arranging flexible schedules and having a bright environment when possible. Just starting a conversation and asking how your employees are sleeping can be a good start.

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES TO HEALTHIER SLEEP HABITS

Here are some practical strategies that organizations can implement to promote healthy sleep habits among shift workers:

Design comfortable rest areas and encourage their use: Employees can maximize their rest breaks in comfortable, sound-proof environments with dim lighting. Want to take it up a notch? Encourage them to close their eyes during their break if they feel fatigued or drowsy; some might even fall asleep for a few minutes, boosting their energy and decreasing drowsiness. When they need to be vigilant for work during evening or night shifts, ensure they have appropriate and bright lighting.

Support stress management: Be aware of your employees’ stress level. High levels of stress can significantly impact sleep quality (and sleep quality and quantity impact stress). One way to help manage stress in the organization is to encourage your employees to get enough sleep

and to respond to their individual needs in that regard. If there’s a rush at work, sleeping less is very unlikely to help the organization or the individuals. Better sleep is an efficient tool to deal with stress and one that is accessible to everyone.

Be a game changer: Educate employees on the spectrum of benefits to prioritize sleep. Offer educational programs and resources that provide information on healthy sleep practices. Topics to cover may include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly bedroom environment, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, limiting caffeine and electronic device use close to bedtime, the importance of winding down before sleep, and much more.

Implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia programs: Consider incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) programs as an option to support employees in improving their sleep. CBT-I is recommended as the first line treatment for insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It involves techniques such as sleep restriction, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring to help individuals develop better sleep habits and manage sleep-related issues. By offering CBT-I programs, organizations can provide employees with effective tools and strategies to overcome sleep difficulties and improve their overall well-being.

Establish consistent schedules: Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms. Some employees are more flexible than others when it comes to changing schedules and sleep time. When possible, maintaining consistency in work schedules can help regulate employees’ sleep-wake cycles. If you can align the work schedule with your employee’s preferences (some are night owls and prefer working evenings and nights, while others perform better in the early morning), you are onto something. When employees’ schedules rotate over weeks, make sure to give them enough time to recuperate in-between different schedules.

Investing in sleep health is a strategic decision that directly impacts productivity, safety and the bottom line. Organizations that prioritize healthy sleep habits gain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Sleep deprivation in the workplace poses significant risks to safety, productivity and employee well-being. Shift workers are particularly at risk of being sleep deprived. By learning how to optimize sleep in shift work situations and equipping EHS professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge, organizations can proactively address sleep-related challenges in their workforce.

Recognizing the unique needs of shift workers and implementing strategies to promote quality sleep will unlock the full potential of the workforce, leading to improved productivity and a safer work environment. This includes recognizing signs of drowsiness, allowing employees short nap breaks during evening and night shifts, and being flexible with the start and end times of shifts when possible. As EHS professionals take the lead in fostering a culture that values and prioritizes healthy sleep habits, organizations will reap the benefits of enhanced workplace productivity, safety and employee well-being.

Brad Smith is the founder and CEO of HALEO , a virtual sleep clinic. HALEO’s mission is to improve health and performance by increasing access to quality care for poor sleep. HALEO provides professional, clinically proven solutions for sleep disorders and is accessible through a mobile app.

Maude Bouchard, PhD, is a neuropsychologist and director of research and development with HALEO, with over a decade of experience in sleep science.

Philippe Stenstrom, Ph.D, is co-founder and scientific director of HALEO.

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Folkard S, Tucker P. Shift work, safety and productivity. Occup Med (Lond). 2003 Mar;53(2):95101. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqg047. PMID: 12637593.

Kaneita Y, Ohida T. Association of current work and sleep situations with excessive daytime sleepiness and medical incidents among Japanese physicians. J Clin Sleep Med. 2011 Oct 15;7(5):512-22. doi: 10.5664/JCSM.1322. PMID: 22003348; PMCID: PMC3190852.

Lavie P. Sleep habits and sleep disturbances in industrial workers in Israel: main findings and some characteristics of workers complaining of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep. 1981;4(2):147-58. doi: 10.1093/sleep/4.2.147. PMID: 7256075.

Marquié JC, Tucker P, Folkard S, Gentil C, Ansiau D. Chronic effects of shift work on cognition: findings from the VISAT longitudinal study. Occup Environ Med. 2015 Apr;72(4):258-64. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101993. Epub 2014 Nov 3. PMID: 25367246.

Ohayon MM, Lemoine P, Arnaud-Briant V, Dreyfus M. Prevalence and consequences of sleep disorders in a shift worker population. J Psychosom Res. 2002 Jul;53(1):577-83. doi: 10.1016/ s0022-3999(02)00438-5. PMID: 12127174.

Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Waage S, Harris A, Sagoe D. Prevalence of Shift Work Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 23;12:638252. doi: 10.3389/ fpsyg.2021.638252. PMID: 33833721; PMCID: PMC8021760.

Roenneberg T, Merrow M. The Circadian Clock and Human Health. Curr Biol. 2016 May 23;26(10):R432-43. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.04.011. PMID: 27218855.

ESG Standards Are Impacting EHS More Than Ever

07.06.2023 | EHS Today

Four ways EHS professionals can maximize their impact. A complex interplay of macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts has recently heightened the debate over the value of environmental, social and governance (ESG). But data affirms that managing ESG risk plays an important role in improving corporate performance, and a part of this has a positive impact on environment, health and safety (EHS) initiatives as well.

Indeed, a 2021 report from Morgan Stanley Capital International, which analyzed the ESG performance of over 6,000 companies, found that those with higher ESG ratings generally had lower environmental risks in some key EHS metrics, including carbon emissions, water usage and waste generation.

Given the direct correlation between ESG and EHS outcomes, safety professionals with a strong understanding of—and engagement with—ESG issues and standards can be more valuable to their organizations. As a result, these EHS professionals are better positioned to drive positive change.

This is easier said than done.

ESG standards and requirements are evolving. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important issue— and the debate over its importance continues to wage— ESG standards must adapt to reflect changing priorities, opportunities and risks.

There are four key actions organizations can take to stay on top of these shifts. By optimizing the application of ESG standards and frameworks, these organizations will also add benefit and value to their EHS programs.

1. TIE EHS PROGRAMS TO SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES.

This will enable organizations to use valuable EHS program data to support sustainability decision making and drive visibility and awareness of the role of EHS in ESG. This can help to shift EHS from a cost center to a potential center for value creation. It can also help position EHS as a key contributor to corporate reputation, brand value and financial performance.

By demonstrating a strong understanding of ESG issues and standards, EHS teams will be able to engage with stakeholders, such as investors or regulators, on ESG issues.

This can involve providing transparent and accurate ESG disclosures, participating in industry initiatives and responding to stakeholder feedback. This can also highlight the relevance of health and safety to ESG in social aspects of corporate sustainability, areas that are generally less associated with ESG than their environmental counterpart. The role that health and safety plays in managing and improving working conditions while reducing instances of worker injury and advancing worker health is directly correlated to worker well-being. The value of worker wellbeing is a key tenet of ESG standards, and through its role in reducing attrition (and the heavy costs associated with that) it can directly impact long-term corporate stability and growth.

So, while the outcomes of EHS programs are sometimes a few steps removed from ESG goals, the frameworks they employ lay a critical foundation for ESG goals to be realized.

2. COLLABORATE AND SHARE INFORMATION WITH DIVERSE TEAMS.

Collaboration and information sharing have always been a fundamental part of the EHS professional’s DNA. Historically, and for obvious reasons, EHS teams already have a continuing dialogue with operations, legal and supply chain teams.

But by extending this outreach to even more diverse groups within an organization, EHS professionals can more effectively manage risk, create more value by advancing innovation, increase employee engagement and foster a culture of sustainability across a wider breadth of stakeholders. Here are three additional groups that can help:

• Human resources: These teams can help develop and implement training programs for employees that promote an overall culture of safety and sustainability.

• Engineering and technical teams: By better understanding EHS issues, these teams can identify and implement new technology or processes that can reduce risk and support sustainability.

• Marketing and communications: These teams can serve as sustainability evangelists for the EHS team, explaining to stakeholders the value of EHS and its role in advancing ESG initiatives and building a broader base of support.

3. LEARN ABOUT APPLICABLE FRAMEWORKS.

Learning about current ESG frameworks can help EHS professionals align their goals with broader organizational agendas, refine reporting, increase transparency, stay

ahead of regulatory requirements and identify areas to optimize their own programs.

Take, for example, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Standards framework. If a company opts to comply with GRI standards, its EHS teams will have added the framework’s “recovery time” metric for worker illnesses and injuries.

This single metric, which refers to the time needed for a worker to recover fully to pre-injury health status, goes beyond the standard time away from work measure and can help teams focus on health, overall worker-wellbeing, and even retention. With this data, practitioners gain a more holistic view of the impact the business has on an employee as well as a greater understanding of the broad impact of the worker’s health and well-being on the company’s bottom line.

Indeed, a 2019 OSHA report found that injuries and illnesses requiring time off from work have a significant impact on the financial well-being of both employers and employees. The report estimated that U.S. workplace injuries and illnesses cost more than $250 billion annually. Staying abreast of existing ESG frameworks and the data that each prioritizes can improve the sustainability performance of a company while reinforcing the value of EHS efforts.

4. EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY CULTURE IN YOUR OWN EHS PROGRAM.

Thinking more broadly about the social and environmental impact of EHS programs can foster a culture of sustainability and personal responsibility as well. EHS professionals have traditionally been tasked with monitoring and reducing risks for environmental, health and safety purposes within their organizations, but as ESG frameworks proliferate, they can introduce a larger dialogue about broader issues related to the way we engage with the world—responsibly.

There is no doubt ESG is having a significant impact on EHS. Seen this way, EHS professionals can empower employees and those active in the field to become part of something even bigger. Something that goes beyond the evaluation of personal protective equipment, the management of materials and the administration of rules. EHS can become part of the larger ESG movement to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Math for Safety Pros

07.23.2023 | EHS Today

How can it make you more effective? Let us count the ways

Wherever safety professionals turn, math is a needed skill.

“I use it constantly. Every day. Everything I do is data driven,” said Todd William Loushine, an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health. “It’s essential to problem-solving.”

Colin Brown, director of business advancement for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, said safety pros “need to use various math concepts for managing risk; analyzing data and metrics; ensuring regulatory compliance; and applying technical knowledge in areas such as fall protection, industrial hygiene and ergonomics.”

Key points

• Having robust math skills can help keep workers safe, build solutions and demonstrate the effectiveness of safety efforts.

• Determining DART (days away, restricted or transferred) rate or TRIR (total recordable incident rate) involves certain calculations, but different industries have their own specific equations based on the type of work.

• If you need help with math, lean on colleagues in your community and take advantage of online resources and educational opportunities.

Math skills also can help tell a story, make a case for budget increases and demonstrate the effectiveness of safety efforts.

WHERE SAFETY MEETS MATH

“What are the duties of a safety professional? Evaluate, anticipate and audit.” Loushine said. “It requires you to understand and collect data and be able to analyze it.”

Knowing how to calculate your organization’s DART (days away, restricted or transferred) rate or TRIR (total recordable incident rate) is an important first step. (See “How math meets safety ” below.)

The specific industry you work in will determine what other calculations are necessary.

“Some industries, such as manufacturing and construction, will require knowledge of complex or advanced math and science principles,” said Angela Giotto, director of research and product development for BCSP. “For example, storage capacity, rigging and load calculations,

ventilation and system design, noise hazards, heat and cold stress, and fall protection.”

Other important math calculations, according to Loushine and BCSP experts, can involve:

• Slips, trips and falls

• Velocity and acceleration

• Lift plans

• Confined space entry

• Ladder and lift equipment selection

• Personal protective equipment decisions

• Braking systems for robots

• Arc flash calculations

• Dispersion of airborne contaminants

“Every company, industry or job has different hazards,” Giotto said. “It’s our job as safety professionals to determine how to mitigate the hazards.”

When working with students, Loushine makes sure math assignments have context.

“If we have to do some calculations, it’s either a case study or a lab assignment,” he said. “Every calculation needs to have a story either before it or embedded in it.”

HOW MATH MEETS SAFETY

Here are five common math calculations that safety professionals use on the job:

TOTAL RECORDABLE INCIDENT RATE

TRIR = (Number of cases multiplied by 200,000) divided by (total number of employee hours worked by all employees in the given population)

According to the National Safety Council, the 200,000 factor remains constant even if rates are calculated for only part of the year, such as monthly or quarterly.

DAYS AWAY, RESTRICTED OR TRANSFERRED RATE

DART rate = (Number of recordable injuries and illnesses resulting in days away, restricted or transferred multiplied by 200,000) divided by (total hours worked by all employees)

This calculation, which is mandated by OSHA, helps employers know how many workplace injuries and illnesses have caused workers to miss days on the job, perform restricted activities or transfer to another job annually.

TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE

TWA = (Sum of portion of each time period multiplied by levels of substance/agent present during time period) divided by (hours in the workday – usually 8)

Workers are often exposed to varying concentrations of noise or a contaminant throughout their workday, according to NSC, rather than a steady, uniform concentration.

NIOSH LIFTING EQUATION

Recommended weight limit (RWL) = LC (weight of the object lifted) multiplied by HM (horizontal distance of hands from midpoint between the ankles) multiplied by VM (vertical distance of the hands from the floor) multiplied by DM (vertical travel distance between the origin and the destination of the lift) multiplied by AM (angle of asymmetry – angular displacement of the load from the sagittal plane) multiplied by FM (average frequency rate of lifting measured in lifts per minute) multiplied by CM (a value derived from lifting frequency and vertical displacement of the lift).

For many safety pros, the best way to calculate RWL is by using NIOSH’s lifting equation mobile app, known as NLE Calc. Learn more at the NIOSH website.

COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS

This calculation compares costs by dollar (direct, indirect, intangible and opportunity) with benefits (direct, indirect, intangible and competitive).

Speaking the language of the C-suite, especially on how dollars spent positively impact safety, is an invaluable tool.

NOT SURE YOU GOT IT RIGHT?

The data is in hand. The calculations are done. But don’t stop there, advises Giotto.

“The key to any new skill is to practice, and math is no different,” she said. “It’s important to build the foundation and understand the fundamentals of math before moving on to more complex problems.”

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If you’re still not sure you’ve “done the math” right, don’t fret. Resources are available to help.

“Reach out to peers, supervisors, corporate resources or even consultants,” Giotto said. “Beyond access to academic resources, building a network of safety practitioners is an invaluable tool to have when you encounter situations where you might not be an expert.”

If you’re developing reports for regulatory agencies and are concerned about calculations, Giotto recommends you put your network of resources to good use.

RESOURCES TO MASTER MATH

Keeping your math skills strong can be accomplished with just a few clicks of the mouse or a visit to a safety and health conference.

Available resources include BCSP.org, where anybody with workplace safety responsibilities “can access BCSP certification exam blueprints and references created by credentialed subject matter experts,” Brown said. “These blueprints and references reflect the most current knowledge and skills required to keep people safe.”

Additionally, the National Safety Council’s “Accident Prevention Manual – Administration & Programs” contains various calculations that can be used by anyone with safety responsibilities.

NSC also conducts live events that feature math activities. The 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo – set for October in New Orleans – includes certification courses that will focus on math needed for the exams.

At work and off the job, math is always present for Loushine. “I drive a hybrid vehicle and I’m constantly watching the braking percent,” he said. “It’s really nerdy, but I’m always doing some form of calculation.”

Sometimes that’s using his phone or a calculator that’s almost always by his side.

“Having a means to collect data and then analyze it allows you to improve,” Loushine said. “You’re identifying what can be improved next in order to get gain.”

Dealing with Data Still an Issue for EHS Professionals

07.21.2023 | EHS Today

In a new survey, 42% of EHS professionals say data reporting is their most significant challenge.

A recent study, Complex Data. Increasing Regulations. Cutting-Edge Solutions, conducted by Intelex looking into the priorities and concerns of EHS professionals found that significant work needs to be done to improve incident prevention, with 90% of respondents reporting their organizations have experienced H&S incidents in the last 12 months and 85% reporting repeat injuries on job sites.

One particular challenge was the EHS professionals felt “overwhelmed and ill-equipped to manage huge amounts of data,” the study reported. According to the research, 42% state data reporting is their most significant challenge while only 7% have fully integrated systems in place. Poor integration, reported by 44% was a problem and lack of correct technology to collect and analyze the data they need in the first place, was reported by 32%.

“As EHS becomes more data intensive, organizations that use disparate technology systems, spreadsheets or even paper are being left behind by their competitors, said Trevor Bronson, director, Portfolio Strategy, in a statement. Moreover, the instances of repeat EHS incidents tell us that there are human consequences far more profound than reputational and operational problems.”

Despite these challenges, the research revealed a number of positives, with one, in particular, showing that professionals have a lot of motivation to make necessary improvements to the way they are currently working. Figures suggest that 37% see incident prevention as a key priority while 75% want to see significant improvement in incident prevention rates.

Enhancing Workplace Safety: Harnessing the Power of Energy-Based Hazard Recognition

Charlie Engel

UNDERSTANDING ENERGY-BASED HAZARD RECOGNITION (EBHR):

Energy-Based Hazard Recognition is a revolutionary concept that focuses on identifying potential hazards based on the energy sources present in a workplace. Rather than solely concentrating on specific objects or processes, EBHR considers the energy transfer and storage mechanisms that could threaten workers’ safety. This approach offers a more comprehensive and proactive means of hazard identification.

THE ROLE OF ENERGY TRANSFER AND STORAGE IN HAZARDS:

Various forms of energy are present in any industrial setting, such as electrical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy. These energies can be transferred and stored within systems and equipment, potentially leading to hazardous situations if not properly managed. EBHR aims to analyze and mitigate the risks associated with energy sources and their interactions.

HOW EBHR WORKS:

EBHR utilizes advanced sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to monitor and analyze

energy sources in real time. The system can continuously collect and process data to identify abnormal energy patterns, potential energy build-ups, and hazardous interactions between energy sources and workers. When a hazard is detected, the system can trigger immediate safety responses, such as warning alerts, automated shutdowns, or emergency protocols.

THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING EBHR:

Proactive Hazard Identification: Traditional hazard recognition methods often rely on reactive responses after an incident occurs. EBHR, on the other hand, allows for proactively identifying potential hazards before they escalate into accidents, preventing injuries and fatalities.

Adaptability to Changing Conditions: EBHR’s intelligent algorithms enable it to adapt to dynamic workplace conditions. As processes change or new hazards emerge, the system can quickly adjust its hazard recognition parameters, ensuring ongoing safety efficacy.

Comprehensive Safety Approach: Energy-Based Hazard Recognition considers a wide range of potential hazards, including those that may be challenging to identify using conventional methods. This holistic approach enhances workplace safety across various industrial environments.

Data-Driven Decision Making: EBHR uses data analytics to make informed safety decisions. The system continuously learns from the workplace environment, improving hazard recognition accuracy and providing valuable insights for safety improvement strategies.

INTEGRATING

EBHR

WITH

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES:

EBHR complements existing safety protocols and technologies. By incorporating this energy-based approach into a comprehensive safety framework, companies can strengthen their safety culture and reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents significantly.

ENERGY-BASED HAZARD ANALYSIS

AUSTIN’S ROAD TO IMPLEMENTING THE ENERGY WHEEL

Back in October of 2022, we had Dr. Siddharth Bhandari (Sid) from the University of Colorado Boulder come and give the West Michigan office a presentation on “Why do employees get hurt on a project.” We (The Austin Company) and most construction companies conduct

pre-task meetings prior to going to work each day or shift. In this pre-task meeting, it is discussed what is the task for today (step by step) and what are the hazards associated with each step of that task: for example, a person working on installing light fixtures in a scissor lift. The discussions started out with inspecting the scissor lift before using it, making sure everyone is tied off in the lift, and inspecting employee fall protection equipment before putting it on. Flag off the area below the lift and put out signs “overhead work, keep out – possible falling objects” and “don’t stand on the toe board, the mid or top rail of the scissor lift. Have we missed anything? Don’t forget personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including a hard hat, safety vest, and safety glasses.

After finishing our pre-task meeting, Dr. Sid explained the Energy Wheel” and explained that on average, 40% additional hazards would be identified if the energy wheel was discussed at the end of each pre-task meeting.

Let’s take this same task, a person working on installing light fixtures in a scissor lift.

Using the energy wheel, how many additional hazards were identified or not discussed?

CONCLUSION

Energy-Based Hazard Recognition represents a transformative leap in workplace safety practices. By focusing on energy sources and interactions, this cuttingedge technology empowers companies to detect and address potential hazards proactively. With its ability to adapt to changing conditions and comprehensive safety

approach, EBHR ensures that workers remain protected from energy-related risks in various industries. Embracing the power of Energy-Based Hazard Recognition enhances workplace safety and paves the way for a safer and more productive work environment.

10 Areas Where Diversity Improves Safety

06.19.2023 | EHS Today

Having a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is more than just the right thing to do; it’s good for business.

Take a look at your employees or co-workers and their varying backgrounds. How diverse is it? Are some from different countries? Do some have accessibility and mobility issues due to an injury or disability? Do some have different native languages, learning preferences and educational experiences?

No matter what industry you work in, chances are high that you work with a team that brings a range of varied backgrounds (cultural and otherwise) as well as valuable— and—unique skill sets to the organization.

In their study, Safety & the Diverse Workforce, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) found that “to remain effective, competitive and safe, organizations must ensure that they have the internal capacity to successfully integrate employees from an increasingly diverse workforce.”

Likewise, in Amy Edmondson’s book, The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace , she talks about how imperative psychological safety is in a diverse workplace that is engaged and productive. In fact, she says that how safe a work environment is can “make or break achievement of team performance.”

Over the past few years, workplaces have experienced a number of dramatic changes. Most surprisingly, COVID-19 revealed the challenges of accommodating to different backgrounds. But perhaps more importantly, it showed us the many benefits of a diverse workplace—and how we can become stronger by learning from each other.

In a 2022 report from the International Labor Organization (ILO), researchers found that “high levels of equality, diversity and inclusion are associated with greater innovation, productivity and performance, talent recruitment and retention, and workforce well-being.”

Furthermore, a 2021 study in the Academy of Management Journal found that “organizations with high levels of racial diversity in both upper and lower management (i.e., high–high racial diversity congruence) realized superior productivity compared to organizations with low levels of racial diversity in both upper and lower management.”

Research proves that a more productive company is also a more competitive one, providing a corporate advantage to those that invest in diverse workplaces. Here are 10 areas for companies to focus on—and benefit from—when building a diverse workforce within your organization.

Construction Companies Invested $1.5 Billion in Workforce Education

07.11.2023 | EHS Today

Companies invested 8% of payroll on workforce development in 2022, in response to the need for more than half a million additional construction workers in 2023.

In 2022, Associated Builders and Contractors member contractors invested more than $1.5 billion to provide nearly 1.3 million course attendees with craft, leadership and safety education according to its 2023 Workforce Development Survey.

This number was down from $1.6 billion in 2021. The annual assessment quantifies the scope of ABC members’ workforce development initiatives to advance their employees’ careers in commercial and industrial construction to build the places where Americans live, work, learn, heal and play.

Key findings include:

• ABC contractors invested an average of 8.0% of payroll on workforce development in 2022, up from 7.4% in 2021, responding to the need for more than half a million additional construction workers in 2023.

• Safety education for more than 700,000 course attendees accounted for the greatest share of spending, at 59%, up from 56% in 2021.

• Trade and specialty contractors boosted their share of the total workforce development investment, growing to 42% in 2022 from 33% in 2021.

“ABC member contractors are investing in flexible, competency-based and market-driven education methodologies to build a construction workforce that is safe, skilled and productive,” said. Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development in a statement.

“Continually upskilling our people, our most valuable asset, means the merit shop construction industry is ready to build the infrastructure, manufacturing plants, data centers and other buildings that will keep America competitive in the global marketplace,” Sizemore added.

ABC’s all-of-the-above approach to workforce development has produced a network of ABC chapters and affiliates across the country that offer more than 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety and management education programs—including more than 300 government-registered apprenticeship programs across 20 different occupations— to build the people who build America.