STP Unit 6: Risk Management

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This unit equips supervisors with the knowledge and tools to proactively identify, plan for, and respond to safety risks and crises on construction projects. It emphasizes leadership in high-pressure situations, understanding the direct and indirect costs of accidents, and implementing structured crisis management plans. The ultimate goal is to minimize risk exposure, protect workers, maintain project integrity, and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Recognize the financial, operational, and human impacts of accidents (direct and indirect costs).
   
• Understand the critical components of an effective crisis management plan.
   
• Practice immediate response strategies for emergencies, including evacuation, securing the site, and communication protocols.
   
• Learn supervisor responsibilities in prevention planning, audits, and hazard-specific solutions.
   
• Gain familiarity with OSHA reporting requirements, regulatory engagement, and media interaction during crises.
   
• Apply the “Focus Four” hazard categories (Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between, Electrical) to practical risk prevention.
   
• Strengthen decision-making under stress to maintain safety, credibility, and control.
   

• Jobsite Assignments: Review contract documents for insurance requirements, confirm certificates on file, evaluate crisis plans, and check evacuation procedures.
   
• Crisis Simulations: Role-play scenarios as supervisors, crisis coordinators, family liaisons, and spokespersons to practice response protocols.
   
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world incidents (e.g., the “Wayward Scissor Lift,” “Missing Subcontractor,” and “Lower-Level Excavations”) to evaluate risk identification and corrective actions.
   
• Crisis Plan Development: Draft and refine crisis response strategies, including responsibilities, communication, and accident investigation.
   
• Supervisor Action Drills: Practice chronological decision-making in simulated accident conditions (injury triage, OSHA reporting, media statements, workforce control).
   
• Audit Exercises: Conduct safety audits to identify hazards and test prevention protocols.
   

1. Risk Costs & Prevention – Direct vs. indirect accident costs; financial and human impacts.
    
2. Crisis Management Planning – Purpose, structure, responsibilities, and written protocols.
    
3. Supervisor Responsibilities – Prevention planning, safety communication, audits, and hazard recognition.
    
4. Focus Four Hazards – Deep dive into the most common fatal risk categories.
    
5. Case Studies & Practical Application – Applying learning to real-world construction scenarios.
    
6. Course Integration – Summarizing roles, responsibilities, and crisis leadership practices.
    

Participants will leave with the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate into crises, respond effectively under pressure, and reinforce a culture of proactive safety leadership on their projects.