In the construction industry, safety is not just a regulatory requirement: it’s a core pillar of operational excellence and a must in delivering high quality spaces. One of the most recognized metrics used to measure safety performance on site is “safe man hours.” But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it such a crucial benchmark?
Understanding Safe Man Hours
Safe man hours refer to the total number of hours worked by all personnel on a project without incurring a lost-time injury (LTI). It’s a key performance indicator (KPI) that tracks how safely a construction team is operating over time. For example, if 50 workers each complete 40 hours of work in a week without any recordable safety incidents, that equals 2,000 safe man hours.
READ MORE: Safety in Sites: Key Tips from Corebilt
Why Safe Man Hours Matter in Construction
Worker Well-Being
Prioritizing safety ensures that every team member returns home unharmed. High safe man hours reflect a culture of care and responsibility.
Operational Efficiency
Projects free of safety incidents avoid costly delays, insurance claims, and labor shortages—leading to smoother, faster completions.
Reputation & Trust
Clients and stakeholders place greater trust in contractors who demonstrate a strong safety record. High safe man hour milestones can set a company apart during the bidding process.
Compliance & Risk Management
Regulatory bodies monitor safety metrics closely. Consistently high safe man hours can help reduce audits, penalties, and legal complications.
RELATED: What is QESH in Construction?
Corebilt Reaches 500,000 Safe Man Hours
We’re proud to announce a significant achievement: 500,000 safe man hours without a lost-time injury. With our Quality, Environment, Safety & Health (QESH) Team spearheading this endeavor, our on-site team and subcontractors are safe and properly equipped in every project location.
