Occupational Safety
Safety doesn’t happen by accident. At CCGSIA, it is built into everything — from the way the Group is structured to the programs and consultants made available to every member. Strong safety performance protects workers, reduces claims, and directly shapes the dividends returned to the group. Every injury prevented is a cost avoided, a life improved, and a return protected.
This page covers the full scope of safety support available to CCGSIA members. Use the section links below to navigate directly to each area.
Safety Builds Better — Building Better Safely
Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident
It is the belief of Commonwealth Contractors that safety begins at the top. A strong, meaningful safety program builds a solid foundation for creating a safe and productive work environment for your employees. To that end, safety is our number one priority.
Safety programs also help reduce claims costs, which can result in larger dividends returned to Commonwealth Contractors members. The dividend amount returned to members depends upon the Group’s performance as a whole and an individual member’s loss ratio.
As a group, Commonwealth Contractors has been successful at implementing safety best practices, which has created a strong history of dividends returned to members.
$89M+ in dividends returned to members since inception
Safety Program Support Provided by Landin OS&H Consultants
To support safety in the workplace, Landin Services, LLC provides Occupational Safety & Health Services to all members. Landin OS&H consultants are available to help you create and implement a safety program for your company.
All members can expect to be visited by OS&H consultants within the first 45 days of enrollment. These safety experts will also conduct routine inspections, make random visits, and provide extra attention when a member has a large loss or near-miss incident.
Each CCGSIA member agrees to initiate and maintain a safety program to give its employees safe and sanitary working conditions and agrees to follow the general rules and recommendations of the Association and the Service Agent in this field to promote the general welfare of its employees. However, each Member shall remain solely responsible for all decisions concerning its safety program and practices and may not rely upon evaluation and/or recommendations made by the Association, the Board, the Service Agent, the Administrator or their representatives in making final decisions concerning its safety program and practices.
Landin OS&H consultants are on hand to assist with:
- Safety meeting materials
- Review of and/or development and implementation of formal, written safety programs as a requirement of membership
- Review and discussion of the Group’s General Safety Rules (GSRs), which are required to be incorporated into each member’s work practices and safety program
- Respond to questions regarding safe practices or procedures
- Researching OSHA industry and consensus standards as necessary
- Safety training through regional seminars, on-site meetings, toolbox talks, and the newsletter BluePrint
When Members Invest in Safety, Everyone Benefits
Creating a Safe Jobsite
Learn more about worksite safety using these trusted resources:
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR)
Research, training, and service programs specifically addressing the construction industry.
Work Safety Blog from Blog4Safety
A regularly updated blog aimed at increasing safety awareness at home and on the worksite by providing articles with safety tips and accident prevention.
Visit website → blog4safety.com
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
ASSP’s Professional Safety journal shares the latest technical knowledge and practical guidance to identify hazards, protect people, prevent injuries, and improve work environments.
Visit website → assp.org/publications/professional-safety
National Safety Council (NSC)
Information and training on safety at work. Also publishes the magazine Safety + Health, with all archives available online, categorized by industry.
Toolbox Topics
A wide range of safety topics broken down into simple, easy-to-understand details.
Visit website → toolboxtopics.com
Department of Transportation (DOT)
A useful resource for finding the most up-to-date information on transportation safety.
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)
The administrative department for Virginia’s occupational safety and health regulations and programs (VOSH).
Visit website → doli.virginia.gov
Construction Safety Videos on YouTube
A collection of videos with tips for construction safety. Search “construction safety” to find relevant content.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Information from national and world leaders on how to prevent workplace illnesses and injuries, including industry-specific guidance.
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
The most comprehensive safety website with extensive training materials and explanatory content on safety rules.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Although some state laws may differ, the Washington DOLI maintains a library of safety articles and tips organized by topic.
Visit website → lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/industry
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), most drug users ages 18–49 are employed full-time. Post-injury drug testing is an effective way for an employer to send a strong message to employees, reduce liability for drug-related workplace accidents, and reduce an employer’s claims experience and exposure.
Drug abusers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work and 5 times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. The accident will cost the employer 300% more in medical costs than other employees. More information is available at:
5% Premium Credit Available to Members with an Approved Drug-Free Workplace Program |
In Virginia, an employer can challenge a workers’ compensation claim where an employee has a positive post-accident test. Virginia Code Section 65.2-306 provides that compensation is not allowed when an injury is caused by intoxication or the use of a non-prescribed controlled substance. In the case of a controlled substance, the test must be performed by a SAMHSA-certified laboratory. A positive test result provides the employer with a rebuttable presumption that the employee was intoxicated due to using a controlled substance at the time of the injury.
However, an employee’s intoxication alone will not bar the right to workers’ compensation benefits. The employer still has a burden of proving that the intoxication was a proximate cause of the accident. When any workplace accident or injury occurs, a thorough investigation is an integral part of any potential defenses for workplace injuries involving drugs or alcohol.
An employer who adopts a drug-free workplace policy requiring pre-employment, random, post-accident, and for-suspicion testing will likely deter drug-using workers from attempting to obtain employment.
Commonwealth Contractors offers a 5% premium credit to members who have implemented an approved Drug-Free Workplace Program. The member may become eligible at any time throughout the plan year. The member is approved by meeting these minimum guidelines and must recertify with Commonwealth Contractors each year that the program is in compliance:
Drug-Free Workplace Credit Program — Minimum Guidelines (PDF)
Although these guidelines can assist the member in creating a Drug-Free Workplace Program, every employer should first consult with and rely on the advice of an attorney experienced with such programs.
Safety Is Not a Cost Center — At CCGSIA, It’s a Profit Driver
Landin’s Occupational Safety & Health (OS&H) Services Department wants to help you create and maintain a safe and healthful workplace. For specific questions about customizing your own safety program, contact the Landin OS&H Department at (804) 359-9600.
