ACES (Assessment of Contractor Safety) is a research study that has developed and is validating a pre-qualification assessment tool to promote safer construction sites. The long-term goal of ACES is to demonstrate improvement in the health and safety of construction workers through effective systems of safety.
ACES is based at the Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory at Northeastern University under the direction of Dr. Jack Dennerlein, who has been researching construction safety and health hazards for more than 10 years.
ACES Pre-qualification Tool
The ACES pre-qualification tool was designed to help owners of construction companies and general contractors to select contractors who will provide a safer work environment.
In addition to the tool, ACES includes a pre-qualification procedure that aims to measure a company’s “leading indicators of safety,” such as safety trainings currently in place, policies to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and employee perception of the company’s safety climate. Evaluating these leading indicators of safety allows for continuous improvement of safety conditions, rather than reducing hazards after an incident occurs. Effective safety management systems are based on a shared set of values embedded into company policies, comprehensive programs that reflect those values, and communication of these values and programs through safer practices.
Partner with Us
In 2017 and 2018 we are evaluating the ACES pre-qualification procedure to determine its effectiveness in predicting safety outcomes at Greater Boston area construction sites. We encourage owners of construction companies and general contractors to participate by partnering with us. Learn more about becoming a partner and what it involves.
Funding
ACES is funded by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).