Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
According to theCMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice (SOP)underChapter 7 – Safety Management, one of the CM’s critical responsibilities duringcontractor prequalificationis to evaluate the safety performance history of potential contractors. This evaluation helps the owner identify qualified firms capable of maintaining safe jobsite conditions and minimizing exposure to both human and financial risk.
The CMAA states:
“When assisting the owner in the selection or prequalification of contractors, the CM should review safety performance data including the contractor’s experience modification rate (EMR), OSHA recordable incidents, lost-time frequency and severity rates, and any OSHA citations over the preceding three years. These indicators provide insight into the contractor’s safety culture and their potential to increase or decrease project risk.”
A contractor with apoor safety recordnot only presents agreater likelihood of jobsite accidentsbut alsoincreases the owner’s exposure to potential liability, schedule delays, and higher insurance and workers’ compensation costs. Selecting contractors with proven, effective safety programs reduces these risks and supports compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. a contractor with a poor safety record may increase the owner’s risk and worker compensation costs.
References (CMAA Construction Manager Documents / Study Guide):
CMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice, 2010 Edition,Chapter 7 – Safety Management, Section: “Prequalification and Selection of Contractors,” pp. 66–68.
CMAA CM Study Guide,Safety Management Domain, Objective 7.3: “Evaluate contractor safety programs and performance to minimize owner risk and ensure compliance with safety standards.”
