A global safety body has urged construction leaders to act now to protect their workforce, win more tenders, and strengthen resilience.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) says safety culture is no longer optional – it’s the foundation for reputation, productivity, and long-term success. Firms that fail to prioritise it risk losing contracts, damaging credibility, and putting lives at risk.

IOSH believes that with the construction sector faces mounting pressure from clients, regulators, and ESG expectations, demonstrating cultural maturity and health and safety excellence is now a decisive factor in securing work and retaining talent. Leaders who take proactive steps today will gain a competitive edge, reduce costs, and build trust with stakeholders.

To support businesses, IOSH has launched a new safety culture framework, detailed in the new white paper Safety culture comes of age: empowering people, strengthening resilience, elevating performance. The framework introduces the Business Assurance Certification (BAC), a strategic toolset that moves firms beyond compliance and into cultural maturity. BAC includes a practical self-assessment tool and independent certification from bronze to platinum, providing external validation that strengthens tender bids and client trust.

Angela Gray CMIOSH, IOSH Technical Lead, said: “In construction, safety culture isn’t just a compliance issue, it’s a foundation for productivity, reputation, and workforce retention. Our model helps leaders build safer, more resilient organisations that attract talent, win contracts, and deliver projects with confidence.”

The white paper reveals why safety culture is now central to performance and resilience. It shows how firms that invest in cultural maturity reduce incidents, lower insurance costs, and boost workforce morale. Trial data from major construction firms confirms the impact: BAC drives immediate strategic planning and renewed commitment to wellbeing.

One EHS manager from a civil engineering firm said: “It’s helped us reflect honestly, recognise opportunities for improvement, and re-energise our commitment to health, safety, and sustainability.”

The Business Assurance Certification is available now for construction firms of all sizes. More information can be found at iosh.com/business