Enhancing Construction Safety in Boston with Field Control Analytics

In 2021, the rate of construction fatalities in Boston was 4.9 per 15,000 workers – more than 2.5 times higher than the national average. In response to growing concerns about worker safety, Boston has introduced the Safe Construction and Demolition Operations Ordinance. This law which went in to effect in 2023, aims to ensure safer job sites by mandating comprehensive safety plans, certified on-site coordinators, and stricter enforcement protocols.

Below, we break down the ordinance’s key requirements and explore how Field Control Analytics (FCA) can help construction management teams comply efficiently and build safer work environments.

Key Components of the Ordinance

Safety Plans and Affidavits
Construction companies must submit detailed Site Safety Plans to identify potential hazards and implement protective measures. These plans require constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure workers are shielded from risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Certified Site Safety Coordinators
Larger projects now require a dedicated Site Safety Coordinator, trained with at least OSHA 30-Hour certification, to monitor safety and maintain compliance on-site. These coordinators conduct weekly safety meetings, track hazards, and document compliance efforts.

Stricter Reporting and Penalties
The ordinance introduces reporting requirements for any on-site accidents or violations. Non-compliance can result in fines, permit revocation, or even project shutdowns, pushing companies to maintain rigorous safety practices.

Language Accessibility and Worker Education
All safety orientations and meetings must be conducted in languages workers understand to ensure equitable access to safety knowledge and compliance across diverse workforces.

How Field Control Analytics (FCA) Supports Compliance and Safety

Implementing the ordinance can be challenging, but FCA’s platform offers essential tools to help construction teams comply with the law and enhance safety. Here's how:

Centralized Workforce Tracking
FCA tracks the workforce in real-time, ensuring that all workers on-site are properly onboarded, have completed required orientations, and are documented with necessary certifications. This aligns with the ordinance’s requirement for transparency and frequent reporting.

Automated Compliance Alerts
With automated notifications, FCA helps construction teams stay ahead of compliance deadlines. Site managers are reminded about upcoming inspections, safety meetings, and training refreshers to meet the ordinance’s reporting standards.

Safety Insights and Risk Monitoring
FCA provides real-time dashboards that track safety incidents and potential hazards across projects. This visibility allows teams to address issues proactively, reducing the risk of violations or accidents.

Efficient Documentation and Reporting
The platform simplifies documentation by maintaining logs of all safety meetings, incidents, and compliance efforts, making it easy to report to city authorities when needed. This ensures that companies can demonstrate compliance during audits and inspections.

Boston’s ordinance sets the stage for safer construction practices, but compliance requires proactive planning and monitoring. By using Field Control Analytics, construction teams can streamline safety efforts, reduce risks, and create safer environments for everyone on-site. With FCA as a trusted partner, teams can meet these regulatory demands and build a safety culture that benefits both workers and project outcomes.