The Safety Culture Ladder in the construction industry

Author: Christiaan de Wind

Jan 17, 2025Audit / Construction / Safety at work

Construction Governance Code and the Safety Culture Ladder: here's how it works

The construction industry is known for its challenging and high-risk working environments. So, safeguarding safety is a top priority throughout the industry. The Safety Culture Ladder is a strong tool that can help the industry in this respect. But what exactly is it and how can the Safety Culture Ladder make construction sites safer? In this blog, we dive deeper into the Safety Culture Ladder for construction.

What is the Safety Culture Ladder?

The Safety Culture Ladder is an assessment method that enables organisations to gain a clearer picture of their safety culture and improve it. The ladder consists of five steps. Each one represents a higher level of safety awareness and behaviour in an organisation. The ladder’s aim is to encourage companies to continually work to improve their safety standards.

The five steps of the Safety Culture Ladder

Step 5: Progressive
Safety is a core value and all employees embrace it fully. Safety innovations are encouraged and the company strives for excellence in safety.
Step 4: Proactive
Safety has been integrated into company operations and there is a culture of ongoing improvement. Employees are actively involved in safety and there is open communication about risks and incidents.
Step 3: Calculating
Safety procedures and systems are introduced and observed. Management recognises the value of safety in terms of risk management and cost savings.
Step 2: Reactive
There is some recognition of the importance of safety, but action is mainly taken in response to incidents. Management is reactive rather than proactive.
Step 1: Pathological
Safety is mainly seen as an obligation and a cost item. Management shows little commitment to safety and incidents are often ignored or played down.

Is the Safety Culture Ladder in construction mandatory?

Since 1 January 2022, step 2 of the Safety Culture Ladder has been mandatory for any company in the construction industry that has signed the Safety in Construction Governance Code. This is a logical development because of the major safety risks in the construction industry. However, the ladder has been designed to make it possible for any organisation to use. Any organisation can get serious about safety with a Safety Culture Ladder audit.

At the moment, it is not mandatory for any company to comply with step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder. However, on 1 July 2026 this will change for companies that have signed the Safety in Construction Governance Code. These companies, which participate in tenders in the construction industry, will then be required to demonstrate their compliance with step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder. It will not be mandatory for other companies to comply with step 3 or any of the other steps of the Safety Culture Ladder. DEKRA is always pleased to help companies gain certification against step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder.

Download Safety Culture Ladder whitepaper

This toolkit explains exactly what the SCL entails, describes the different routes to certification, and provides insight into what preparations your organization can make.

The role of the Safety Culture Ladder in the construction industry

Because employees in the construction industry are exposed to various risks on a daily basis, e.g. fall hazards, heavy machinery and hazardous substances, a strong safety culture is essential. The Safety Culture Ladder helps construction companies evaluate and improve their safety policy and practices.

Advantages of Safety Culture Ladder for construction companies

Less accidents

By implementing higher safety standards, companies can significantly reduce the number of accidents and near-accidents.

Better reputation

A company that prioritises safety builds a strong reputation, which can lead the way to more business opportunities and improved customer confidence.

Legal compliance

By meeting the requirements of the Safety Culture Ladder, companies also ensure they are in compliance with current safety legislation and regulations.

Engaged employees

A safe working environment paves the way for happy and committed employees, which benefits the overall productivity and efficiency of your company.

DEKRA expertise

DEKRA acts as an independent and objective certification body in the field of the safety ladder. We support you through audits and certifications, with which you demonstrate that you meet the requirements of a specific step of the safety ladder.

DEKRA gives you insight into your current safety culture by assessing it transparently and reliably. This not only helps you to meet the set standards, but also to make your commitment to safety visible to clients and other stakeholders.

Are you ready to climb the steps of the Safety Culture Ladder in construction?

Are you curious about how your organization can be audited or how you can obtain certification for a specific step of the safety ladder? Feel free to contact us for more information about our audit and certification services.

Do you have a question? Get in touch with one of our experts

Christiaan de Wind

Eastern and northern regions of the Netherlands

+ 31 88 96 83459
christiaan.dewind@dekra.com

Get in touch

Where can you find more information about the Safety Culture Ladder at DEKRA?

DEKRA provides audits for companies to be certified against the Safety Culture Ladder. Learn more about the Safety Culture Ladder and how we can support you.

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