By mitigating jobsite risk, we can reduce costs, keep workers safe and maintain productivity
By Brett Moroso, Director of Operations – Canada East, Cooper Equipment Rentals
Construction is high stakes work. Whether we’re talking simple projects or complex hubs of activity with dozens of workers, all have varying degrees of skills, experience and risk.
Then there’s the equipment – large, small and everything in between. Not to mention the range of weather conditions from hot summers to frigid winters, floods and high winds.
It’s safe to say, workplace safety and risk mitigation on the jobsite are a constant challenge.
How does your construction company prepare for potential risks?
There’s lots of ways you can go about this, but have you considered that risk mitigation starts with your rental equipment? It’s one of the best ways to reduce the costs of maintenance and repair that comes with owning equipment, along with the risks of theft and damage.
Your rental partner can and should be providing you with the most current equipment (and the technology to go with it) to help reduce the chance of equipment failure or malfunction. Since every project has its own unique set of risks, your rental partner can also help you assess and plan for the future.
Well-maintained equipment

Downtime is a dirty word in the construction industry. It’s disruptive, it affects productivity, and it can take a financial toll.
Business is not as usual when unplanned external factors disrupt workflows, bring equipment to a halt or force workers to scramble and rethink processes to make up for lost time.
It’s not always about the repair of a downed piece of equipment that results in lost productivity, but how the loss of equipment impacts the job.
Consider the hours of work that come with using poorly maintained equipment, or even worse – equipment theft. Renting equipment can reduce downtime and minimize risk. Be sure your rental partner is providing you with the lowest average age equipment that’s been well-maintained and can pass safety inspections before it leaves the yard.
You should also assess the quality of on-site service you’re receiving. Downtime costs money. Your rental partner should provide top-quality service, where and when you need it.
Bottom line: well-maintained equipment costs less. It’s more fuel efficient and with rising fuel costs, this is a great way to reduce costs (and as a result – reduce risks too).
The right safety measures
Construction workers put their lives in danger each time they step foot on the job site. When accidents occur, wage losses, employer costs, legal fees or even cost of equipment repairs can be devastating. Considering this heightened risk, a focus on training and creating a culture of safety is a must.
For companies really looking to raise the bar on safety practices (their own and their partners’) – COR Certification (Certification of Recognition) is the gold standard in the industry.
It’s a rigorous set training matrix and system used to measure a company’s safety management and help integrate safety into every part of the business. You might be confident in your own safety programs – but the standards of your suppliers or subcontractors may not be up to snuff.
COR also provides a third-party vetting service, which helps ensure the companies you work with have the right accreditation and processes in place. If your suppliers are COR certified, you can be confident they meet the same standards as your own workers, who know how to proactively identify, evaluate and control potential hazards. A supplier’s actions on your properties can impact the safety of your people, your business and your reputation. The public sector is increasingly requiring COR as a pre-bid qualification for contractors and suppliers, and it seems like only a matter of time before the private sector follows suit.
Although the costs of programs like COR can be substantial, it’s an investment that can have a major impact on your business.
Are you protected?
Did you know, about $46 million in equipment is stolen annually in Canada? Ontario accounts for $15 to $20 million of those losses alone. For a small contractor or construction company this could quickly sink your business.
Leaning on your rental partner can help mitigate risk. To start – ensure your rental equipment comes equipped with a geo-tracking device (and not just the manufacturer-installed one – educated thieves know where to find and disable them). The loss of essential equipment can not only cost you a significant amount of money but can cause severe delays to your project. GPS tracking devices can be used to both dissuade thieves and lead to the recovery of stolen equipment.
Additional protection plans and/or loss damage waivers are also a great way to help reduce costs for loss or damage to equipment while it is under your care and control. It doesn’t cover the liability for property damage, personal injury, loss of time or use of the equipment but works with your business or personal insurance to reduce the risk of loss or damage to rented equipment. It can eliminate the need to make an insurance claim, avoiding higher premiums or large deductibles on your policy.
Any rental agreements you sign should have clear and simple terms, so you understand what you’re accountable for. Take a balanced approach to agreements and consider price, duration and quality of the equipment you’re renting. This is often where strong relationships with your rental partner can really benefit your business.
No room for error
Skyrocketing operating costs, tighter schedules and labour shortages means no one has an abundance of resources anymore. A lean and efficient operation is essential. Be sure your rental partner is not only providing you with current, well-maintained equipment, but can also help you maximize equipment usage while keeping workers safe.
Every jobsite and every project come with some risk; that’s just the nature of the business we’re in. But with proper planning and good management we can mitigate most of them through a high level of collaboration and communication with your rental partner. Keeping everyone on the same page and working together will allow you to identify and manage risks before they become problems.