Reaching Small Residential Contractors and Influencing their Safety and Health Practices

Background and Objective(s) 

 Residential construction accounts for a disproportionate number of worker injuries where barriers to safety and health include a high concentration of small employers, a decentralized structure, and persistent pressures related to cost, time, and productivity. While efforts have been undertaken to reach small residential contractors, most have not been published and lessons learned have not been systematically collected to identify promising strategies. This study was conducted as part of CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training’s Research to Practice effort to identify innovative approaches to engaging hard-to reach audiences in research dissemination efforts.

Methods

We conducted an online qualitative survey with stakeholders in the U.S. who have been involved in activities targeting residential contractors to improve worker health and safety. Twenty-one respondents completed the survey, and nine participated in follow-up interviews. The survey involved several focus areas: 1) experiences with outreach to residential contractors; 2) influential organizations or players; and 3) promising dissemination strategies. Findings from the survey and interviews were analyzed for lessons learned.

Results

Respondents reported that project owners and workers’ compensation insurers have the most influence over residential contractors. Policy approaches and outreach through retail outlets were indicated as the top two most promising dissemination strategies. Stakeholders discussed barriers to engaging residential contractors including lack of buy-in, lack of incentives, and challenges of partnership.

Conclusion

Lessons from the survey will provide important information on reaching and influencing residential contractors’ safety and health practices and reduce the risk for the workers they employ.