ABC Report: Construction Companies Are Nearly 7 Times Safer With These Best Practices

WASHINGTON — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has released its 2026 Health and Safety Performance Report, revealing that construction companies that implement best practices through its STEP® Health and Safety Management System are nearly seven times safer than the industry average.

Based on data from more than 1.3 billion work hours, the report shows that top-performing ABC members reduce total recordable incident rates (TRIR) by 85% compared to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics construction industry baseline. The findings reinforce a clear message: structured safety systems are not optional—they are a competitive advantage.

What Is STEP and Why It Matters

Established in 1989, STEP is a no-cost, data-driven safety management system that helps contractors and suppliers measure performance, benchmark against peers, and continuously improve jobsite safety. The framework enables companies to identify gaps, scale best practices, and strengthen their position as employers of choice in a tight labor market.

ABC released the report during Construction Safety Week, highlighting the industry’s ongoing commitment to making safety a core business function—not just a compliance requirement.

Key Safety Practices That Drive Results

ABC’s research identifies the most effective strategies for reducing jobsite incidents:

• Daily toolbox talks reduce TRIR by 59% and DART rates by 61%
• Substance abuse prevention programs lower TRIR by 55% and DART by 57%
• Consistent safety meetings reduce TRIR by 52% and DART by 54%
• Employee engagement in safety programs cuts TRIR by 55% and DART by 57%

These results show that safety performance improves when leadership, communication, and workforce participation are aligned.

The Foundation of Industry-Leading Safety Programs

The report outlines six leading indicators that define high-performing safety cultures:

• Project safety planning
• Executive leadership engagement
• Use of leading indicators
• Incident investigation processes
• Tracking of trailing indicators
• Behavior-based safety observations

According to Joe Xavier, these elements form a practical roadmap for companies aiming to improve both safety outcomes and overall business performance.

A Proven Blueprint for Safer, Stronger Companies

For nearly a decade, ABC’s annual report has analyzed real-world data from contractors across multiple construction sectors to define what works. STEP participants use detailed self-assessments to refine their safety programs, reduce risk, and enhance operational performance.

The 2026 report is presented by DEWALT, whose Perform & Protect initiative supports safer and more productive jobsites.

Why This Matters for Contractors

The takeaway is straightforward: companies that invest in structured safety systems protect their workforce, improve productivity, and strengthen their reputation in the marketplace. In today’s environment, safety is not just about compliance—it’s a measurable driver of business success.

Contractors interested in participating in STEP can learn more at abc.org/step.