Are Union Construction Sites Safer? Where’s the Proof?
TLDR: Yes.
When you drive past a construction site in Kamloops, you probably don’t think about whether it’s union or non-union. But that difference can be life-changing, even life-saving, for the workers on site.
Recent studies and reports show a clear pattern: unionized construction sites are safer than non-union ones. Here’s why that matters, and what it means for our community.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In a study of more than 37,000 job site inspections, union sites were 19% less likely to have any safety violations. And when a violation did happen, union sites had 34% fewer violations per inspection. In some areas, the gap was even larger, with union sites having up to 64% fewer problems flagged by safety inspectors.
Another study showed that for every 1% increase in unionization, there was a 3% drop in worker fatalities. That’s a powerful difference.
Why Are Union Sites Safer?
The answer comes down to three things:
Better Training
Union workers are trained through apprenticeship programs that include safety education. They know how to recognize hazards and avoid them.
Stronger Protections
Union contracts often include rules about safety equipment, breaks, and reporting dangerous conditions. That helps keep everyone accountable, from the bottom up and the top down.
More Planning and Prevention
Union contractors are more likely to plan for safety in advance, use proper protective gear, and follow stricter safety rules every day.
Safety Isn’t Just About Workers, It’s About Community
When workers are safer, so is the public. Union crews are trained to keep sites secure, equipment maintained, and hazards contained. That reduces risks for everyone, from nearby businesses to families walking by.
The Take-Away
If you care about the people building your schools, hospitals, homes, and roads, then union safety should matter to you. Union construction is more than good wages, it’s smart, responsible, and safe.
At a time when companies are cutting corners to save costs, unions are standing up for safety, and that benefits all of us.
Conversation
Darryl Schmidt
One of my interests is following technology trends and how they can be implemented in a way that benefits people. I do my best to be a community builder and this website is an example of that 🙂
All comments are my own and may not reflect the opinions of the rest of humanity. I’m trying not to be mean so cut me some slack.
My Blog Posts Visit My Website
Being part of a union means you know that you can speak up when you see a potential safety issue without retribution. Knowing that your union will have your back means you can't be fired for trying to make it home each night.