MTA Safety Incentives

Following your recent articles criticizing the MTA’s safety incentive award program for contractors (Sept. 17 and 21), I want to re-emphasize that our program creates a safer environment for construction workers. The safety incentive program has contributed to a lost-time accident rate that is well below the national average for large construction projects.

Critics, and it is apparent the rail construction program has many, may debate whether one form of safety incentive will yield better results than another. Our program, modeled after the successful Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority program, was set in place to reduce the number of worker injuries, support contractors who make worker safety the highest priority and lower the number of workers’ compensation claims.

As executive officer, Metro Construction, I am responsible for the MTA’s construction safety program. Prior to your articles, we had already made significant changes to the safety incentive program. For example, we raised the standards that contractors must meet to qualify for incentive payments. Contractor performance is now measured against minor injuries to their workers, as well as the more serious injuries to workers that result in their being away from the job.

It is incorrect to describe the safety incentive program as the primary means for the MTA “to avoid disruptive and costly safety programs.” Our comprehensive safety program also includes a drug and alcohol program, ongoing daily inspections, safety audits, construction safety education and a worker recognition program. The safety incentive program by itself could not and never was intended to be the sole vehicle for construction safety. Since your article hinges on this misconception, this is no small point.

Finally, the reporter chose to emphasize “recordable” injuries, but did not explain why the rate of these incidents is above the national average, and in so doing, conveyed a mistaken impression. The truth is that the MTA self-imposes a stricter accident reporting procedure than is used by the industry.

I will continue to insist on the highest standards of construction safety for our workers and the people of Los Angeles County.

STANLEY G. PHERNAMBUCQ

MTA, Los Angeles