Safety First, Always: Why Jobsite Safety is the Foundation of Every Successful Project

In the world of commercial construction, we build structures that stand the test of time—but what's even more important is ensuring that every person who helps build them returns home safely at the end of the day.
Jobsite safety isn't just a regulatory checkbox; it's a fundamental commitment that impacts every aspect of a project. It's about protecting our people, our clients' investments, and our reputation. At Cooper & Company, safety is one of the four pillars of our success, alongside excellence, integrity and cooperation.
Beyond Compliance: The True Value of a Safe Jobsite
A robust safety program does more than just meet OSHA regulations. It creates a positive, productive, and efficient work environment.
Protects Our People: This is the most important reason of all. A safe worksite minimizes the risk of injuries, accidents, and fatalities, ensuring our skilled craftsmen and partners are protected.
Reduces Costly Delays: Accidents can bring a project to a screeching halt, leading to investigations, work stoppages, and schedule setbacks. A safe site keeps the project moving forward on time.
Enhances Quality and Productivity: When workers feel safe and confident in their environment, they can focus on their tasks with precision and efficiency. This leads to higher quality work and improved productivity.
Builds Trust and Reputation: A strong safety record demonstrates a contractor's professionalism, responsibility, and commitment to excellence. It builds trust with clients, partners, and the community.
Understanding the EMR Rating: A Key Indicator of Safety Performance When you're evaluating a commercial general contractor, one of the most critical numbers to ask about is their Experience Modification Rate (EMR).
What is an EMR?
The EMR is a numerical rating used by insurance companies to predict future workers' compensation claims based on a company's past claim history. It compares a company's safety performance to other companies of a similar size in the same industry.
An EMR of 1.0 is considered the industry average.
An EMR above 1.0indicates a worse-than-average safety record, suggesting a higher risk and resulting in higher insurance premiums.
An EMR below 1.0signifies a better-than-average safety record, which can lead to lower insurance costs and is a strong indicator of a company's commitment to safety.
Cooper & Company’s Commitment: An EMR that Surpasses Standards
At Cooper & Company, we don't just aim for average—we strive for excellence in everything we do, especially safety. We are proud to report an EMR rating of 0.90.
This rating is not just a number; it's a testament to our proactive safety culture. It means our safety performance is significantly better than the industry average, directly reflecting our dedication to a zero-incident jobsite. It's the result of continuous training, daily safety briefings, rigorous site inspections, and empowering every team member to be a safety leader.
This exceptional EMR is a clear differentiator and provides peace of mind to our clients. It demonstrates that when you partner with Cooper & Company, you are choosing a firm that prioritizes the well-being of its people and your project.
Safety as a Pillar of Success
For us, safety isn't a separate department; it's woven into the very fabric of our operations. It is one of our four pillars of success, and it guides every decision we make—from the initial planning phase to the final walkthrough. By prioritizing a safe environment, we ensure our team can work at their best, delivering a project that is not only on time and on budget but also built with the highest standards of care and integrity.
Ready to partner with a contractor who puts safety first? Contact Cooper & Company today to discuss your next commercial construction project.




