Safety programs and the construction manager

Safety and the coordination of safety programs have traditionally been the responsibility of the general contractor. The overall general contractor direction and coordination of safety programs is not possible in the multiple prime contract environment of construction management. With the construction management form of project management the owner has increased contact with the prime contractors and, therefore, greater liability for directing or coordinating safety programs. The construction manager, while not’in a direct contract relationship with the contractor, acts for the owner relative to project management and assumes some professional liability for project safety management. The nature of this relationship to safety is not well understood by construction managers and indicates that information relevant to the function of the construction manager in safety programs has not been consolidated. This paper identifies how the owner’s liability for safety is developed through the contract documents and court decisions relative to liability. Steps to reduce the potential liability for the owner and construction manager are identified as part of an active safety-management role.