Project Zero: Safety & Health at EDiS
At the center of Project Zero is the core belief that every person on an EDiS job site is invaluable and irreplaceable. From our employees to our subcontractors, clients, and visitors, everyone’s safety is our top priority.
We recognize that traditional safety measures, which often focus on compliance, regulations, and repercussions, are essential but insufficient. To truly prioritize people, we must go beyond these conventional approaches, past what is quick or convenient, to what is right. This belief is the foundation of our Safety & Health Program’s evolution. “Project Zero” is a name that reflects our ultimate goal. More than just a safety initiative, Project Zero embodies our commitment to a people-first philosophy to construction safety and health.
At the center of Project Zero is the core belief that every person on an EDiS job site is invaluable and irreplaceable. From our employees to our subcontractors, clients, and visitors, everyone’s safety is our top priority. We recognize that traditional safety measures, which often focus on compliance, regulations, and repercussions, are essential but insufficient. To truly prioritize people, we must go beyond these conventional approaches, past what is quick or convenient, to what is right.
Construction Industry: By the Numbers
Our industry faces significant hurdles when it comes to the health and well-being of our workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of all fatal work injuries in the United States occur on construction sites. Construction workers are disproportionately affected by mental health struggles, physical wear and tear, and high-suicide rates. All of these very human challenges significantly increase the risk of accidents on site.
16.5%
0%
of workers
in construction self-reported alcohol or substance abuse issues
60%
0%
of workers
in construction reported struggling with mental health
40%
0%
of accidents
involve a worker in their first year on the job
1
0
cause of death
in male construction workers is suicide
Leading The Charge
Director of Safety and Health Jim Ruggiero has been at the forefront of safety at EDiS for more than a decade. Jim is a member of the Safety and Wellness Committee of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Delaware Chapter, he’s also Chairman of the Training and Education Committee of the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA). Jim works with teams of professionals to discuss and evaluate industry best practices, educational needs, and helps develop training programs to facilitate the needs of contractors based in Delaware.
Preventing Suicide in Construction
Suicide is a leading cause of death among working age adults in the United States, four times more than falls on the job. It deeply impacts workers, families, and communities. Fortunately, like other workplace fatalities, suicides can be prevented. Explore with Director of Safety & Health Jim Ruggiero how he and EDiS are trying to change this heart breaking reality in the construction industry.
We are utilizing information from organizations like OSHA and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention to educate ourselves and others. Each EDiS jobsite is equipped with various resources for mental health, including information on the suicide hotline (988). Another approach is providing information and educating workers to be aware of the “OSHA-SuicidePrevention-5-Things-You-Should-Know.”
National Safety Council CEOs Who "Get It"
At EDiS, safety is a pillar of our culture, one that starts at the top. CEO Brian DiSabatino was named on the 2019 National Safety Council CEOs Who “Get It” List. For 15 years, the National Safety Council has selected high-performing leaders who demonstrate they not only understand what safety is all about – they make it a top priority for their organization. In short, they are CEOs Who “Get It” when it comes to running a business with safety in mind. The individuals selected for the honor of CEOs Who “Get It” cast long shadows and use their influence to shift their respective organization’s safety culture from reactive to proactive.
Stand Down For Safety
The Safety Stand Down is a reoccurring event where employers talk directly to the team working on our construction sites about fall prevention. Work activities are stopped and all contractors gather together to focus on preventing fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention.
EDiS Annual Safety Roundtable
Jim Ruggiero holds monthly health and safety meetings for all EDiS staff. Best practices, new or updated regulations, and review of the month’s safety activities are shared with the team. Regular health and safety communications are an essential part of EDiS culture.
People-Centric Results
For subcontractors seeking a CM or GC who will prioritize their personal and professional safety, EDiS is the partner that creates a secure and supportive working environment that safeguards physical safety, shields them from potential liability, and promotes an engaged and efficient operation.
The results speak for themselves. Since implementing a series of proactive and people-centric policies, procedures, support, and training, we saw a 50% reduction in incidents in a 12 month period. By working with our contractors to collaboratively solve challenges rather than relying on consequence-based approaches, we have broken down barriers and encouraged open communication.
Safety & Health by the Numbers
At EDiS, safety and health are more than a checklist.
1750+
0+
Trade Contractors
provided with fall protection education during EDiS Safety Stand-Downs
1500000
0
Hours
without a lost time incident
115+
0+
Years
of safety & health construction industry best practices and safety & health unified relationships
When it comes to protecting those you care about, safety is simply a way of life.
"The well-being of our team, contractors, and members of the public is a priority, so we strive to be injury free every day. People are counting on us to come home at the end of each day… that is all the reason we need to put safety first."
Jim Ruggiero Director of Safety and Health
