How builders and contractors can keep workers and themselves safe
Construction remains one of the nation’s most hazardous industries, with workers facing risks such as falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions and being caught in or between hazards every day. As residential construction activity continues to increase during the summer months, with more than 1.3 million housing completions reported in May 2026, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the need for practical, effective safety programs has never been greater.
Residential jobsites range from large builders to small contractors, many of whom may have limited access to dedicated safety personnel or training resources. Practical, easy-to-implement safety measures can help close that gap.
How can construction companies help every worker return home safe and healthy at the end of each shift? The first step is establishing a written safety and health program that outlines company policies, responsibilities and procedures for identifying and controlling jobsite hazards.
NAHB’s Safety and Health Programs for home builders and general contractors, remodelers and siding contractors provide customizable templates and guidance to help companies develop or strengthen their safety programs.
Once a program is in place, daily pre-task planning, toolbox talks and clear communication among trades help reinforce safety expectations and reduce jobsite risks. Equally important is fostering a workplace culture where employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns and report hazards without hesitation.
While company safety programs establish day-to-day expectations, consensus-based standards provide a broader framework for consistent safety practices across the construction industry.
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), a global professional society with more than 35,000 members, brings together representatives from academia, construction, demolition and engineering companies, consulting organizations, general interest groups, labor unions and professional societies to develop standards that advance workplace safety.
The ANSI/ASSP A10 Construction and Demolition standards establish safety and health requirements for a broad range of construction and demolition operations to help prevent worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Recently, five A10 standards were revised to reflect current industry practices, technological advancements and emerging safety and health challenges.
While the five standards apply to commercial and residential construction, two are especially relevant for home building: A10.26 Emergency Procedures for Construction and Demolition Sites and A10.37 Debris Net Systems Used During Construction and Demolition Operations.
Every construction site should be prepared for the unexpected. Residential jobsites present unique challenges as crews, subcontractors and site conditions often change from day to day. In addition to workplace injuries, severe weather, natural disasters and other emergencies can quickly create dangerous conditions, making emergency planning essential before work begins.
ANSI/ASSP A10.26 Emergency Procedures for Construction and Demolition Sites emphasizes emergency planning, communication and worker preparedness so that everyone on site understands how to respond when unexpected events occur. The standard addresses key elements of emergency preparedness, including pre-planning and coordination, emergency management, first aid and access to emergency medical care.
The latest revision to this standard strengthens guidance for emergency preparedness and pre-planning, including procedures for fires, structural collapses, hazardous material spills and medical emergencies to support timely rescue, evacuation and first-aid efforts when every second counts.
Dropped tools and falling materials can create serious hazards for workers below and others near the jobsite. On larger or more complex residential projects, debris net systems can provide an additional layer of protection when overhead work creates a risk of falling objects.
ANSI/ASSP A10.37 Debris Net Systems Used During Construction and Demolition Operations establishes best practices for debris net systems while emphasizing the importance of evaluating site-specific hazards and implementing appropriate protective measures whenever overhead work is performed.
The latest revision to this standard enhances guidance for the selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of debris net systems, helping builders better control falling-object hazards and protect workers and the public below.
Building homes safely requires more than just regulatory compliance; it requires planning, communication and a shared commitment to protecting every worker on the job site. By combining strong company safety programs, recognized industry standards and ongoing training, builders can reduce risk, strengthen their safety culture and help ensure every worker is safe and healthy.
By Jared Culligan. He is the Program Manager of Safety at the National Association of Home Builders and serves on the ASSP Safety in Construction and Demolition Operations Committee.
This column is featured in our fall issue of Residential Contractor. Read the print version here.
