Mitigating Construction Fatalities: Adopting the ‘Navy SEAL’ Methodology

Since 2010, there's been a 24% increase in construction fatalities, a trend that’s concerning. As the industry sees a wave of retirements among seasoned workers, their replacements often lack the same level of experience. Coupled with worker shortages, this could potentially lead to less comprehensive safety training for these newer entrants. The challenge lies in reversing this negative fatality trend amidst the pressures of hiring and project completion.

One high potential solution I’ve learned came from the practices of our Navy SEALs. Their approach is consistent and straightforward, and their combat mortality rate is less than 1%.

The Four Step SEAL Team Methodology

1.?????? Plan the mission.

2.?????? Rehearse the mission.

3.?????? Execute the mission.

4.?????? Conduct a post-mission evaluation.

Step four is critical: As a team, they assess what went well and what didn’t, identifying near misses and unsafe conditions, then brainstorm corrective measures to make the next mission more effective.

This approach can be mirrored by effective construction safety directors and supervisors. A current common construction practice is to begin the day with a Toolbox talk to discuss safety and the project goals of the day. Savvy safety directors are discovering the value of an additional daily team meeting. At the end of each workday, the team reconvenes to identify near misses and unsafe conditions that were observed by your crew. These are situations that didn’t result in an accident but had the potential to do so, for example, a hammer left on a ledge, or a worker not appropriately using a safety harness. Next, identify the root causes and implement changes based on lessons learned. These discussions help maintain a high level of safety awareness among workers, thereby enhancing safety the following day.

The psychology is to keep workers alert to unsafe conditions throughout the entire day, knowing they will discuss their findings.

End of day reviews promote constant awareness with your team:

• Staying alert during the workday.
• Watching out for changing conditions, unexpected obstacles, like the operation of nearby mobile equipment, fellow employees, and other trade workers on the project.

BONUS: This time can also be used to solicit worker ideas on how to improve the execution of the project or how to accomplish the job more safely and cost efficiently. Your experienced workers are a wealth of knowledge that can benefit the whole team.

Does this approach require additional time and resources? Yes.

Is it effective and worth the investment? Yes. As any SEAL would attest, their lives depend on it.

Will workers be receptive to identifying unsafe conditions? Yes, provided it is effectively communicated by their leadership. Initially, it may require a culture shift, but ultimately, keeping workers safe is a goal we can all embrace.

The official Navy SEALs’ motto is?“The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.”?This powerful phrase encapsulates their relentless pursuit of excellence, emphasizing that growth comes from overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries.

In construction, our collective goal is the same: to reduce accidents and unsafe conditions, ensuring that your workers can safely return home to their loved ones each day.

And after all, who wouldn’t want to be like a Navy SEAL?

Disclaimer: Opinions are the author’s own. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with experts and tailor risk management practices to your specific project needs.