In commercial construction, safety isn't a box to check — it's central to how we work. At RJB Contracting, keeping our team safe is the right thing to do, and it's how we show clients we're serious about the quality and reliability of our work. One of the clearest ways we track that is our Experience Modification Rate (EMR), and we've made real progress improving it.

What's EMR, and Why Does It Matter?

Think of EMR as a safety report card. Insurers use it to estimate how likely workplace injuries are, based on a company's past performance. An EMR of 1.0 is the industry average: below 1.0 is better than average, above 1.0 means there's room to improve. But it's about more than insurance rates — your EMR says a lot about how committed you are to keeping your people safe.

How We Improved Our EMR

For us, this was never about chasing a number. It was about making sure everyone goes home safe. A few things we've focused on:

  1. Making training a priority. We invest in regular training so crews stay current on OSHA standards and job-specific safety practices. From superintendents to our coatings team, everyone knows what it takes to work safely.
  2. Taking a team approach. Our safety committee doesn't just write rules — they're on job sites, spotting issues and fixing them before they become problems. Safety is a team effort, and everyone has a role.
  3. Encouraging open communication. We make it easy for the team to report near-misses and suggest improvements. That feedback keeps us sharp and helps us make changes where they matter most.

The Results

The work has paid off. Our EMR improved from 0.939 in 2024 to 0.764 in 2025. Lower numbers mean fewer incidents and a safer environment for everyone — and they've helped reduce our insurance costs, which benefits our team and our clients alike.

Why This Matters for You

When you choose RJB Contracting, you're choosing a partner that puts safety first. For your project, that means:

  • Fewer delays. Fewer incidents keep projects running on schedule.
  • Better quality. A focus on safety means we're paying attention to every detail.
  • Peace of mind. You can trust we're handling your project with care and professionalism.

What's Next

We're proud of the progress, but we're not stopping. Safety is ongoing, and we'll keep looking for ways to improve. Every step we take with our EMR is a reminder of what the team can accomplish together.

Want to know how our safety-first approach can help your next project? Reach out — we'd be glad to talk.