FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Research consistently shows that small construction companies experience disproportionately high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. These companies—representing over 750,000 businesses in the U.S. with 20 or fewer employees—often lack resources, formal safety programs, and adequate training. As a result, their employees are more vulnerable to preventable accidents and compliance issues.
The Virtual Safety Solution (VSS) platform is a provisionally patented (PP), fully mobile system designed to act as a virtual safety professional. It provides AI-driven safety tools, real-time training, compliance support, and hazard analysis—all accessible directly in the field. By empowering small construction companies with these resources, the platform fills a critical gap, improving workplace safety and reducing injuries.
The Founder and Executive Director of Equal Safety for All Inc. (ESfAI) is Dr. Bryan McCaa, a seasoned safety professional with over 25 years of experience in safety management. Dr. McCaa holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health Safety and Environmental Management and a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Dr. McCaa is the developer of the VSS platform and has dedicated his career to improving workplace safety through innovative solutions. In addition to leading ESfAI, he serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Southern University, where he teaches various courses in construction safety and risk management. His leadership ensures the program is grounded in both practical application and academic expertise, making it a transformative resource for small construction companies.
The program uses a safety rating system (0–100) that evaluates compliance, training completion, and employee engagement and other safety leading indicators. Companies accepted to the platform are given a safety baseline of 0-100 based on a standardized criterion. Companies generate the required data daily, weekly and monthly over the next 12 months. At the end of the 12 months the goal is for the company to incrementally increase their safety rating score to as close to 100 as possible. However, showing a measurable increase month over month is a measurable to celebrate.
Each company goes through a qualitative application process that evaluates its existing safety practices—or lack thereof—to ensure readiness and commitment. This allows the program to tailor its resources and solutions to the specific needs of the company, ensuring measurable improvements in compliance, hazard recognition, and safety culture.
Yes. A 12-month program provides sufficient time for serious companies to implement meaningful safety improvements, see measurable benefits, and establish sustainable practices. This duration ensures that companies experience the value of the provided resources while allowing the program to support a larger number of companies over time. Additionally, the structured timeline ensures that safety practices take root and are integrated into the company’s culture.
At the end of the twelve (12) months, companies will transition out of the program to allow other small construction companies to benefit from the VSS Platform. Graduating companies can choose to continue using the VSS Platform through separate licensed provider for a modest monthly fee or develop their own safety resources independently.
Small construction companies with 4–20 employees interested in joining the program must apply and meet specific eligibility criteria. Acceptance is based not only on company size but also on qualitative responses to the application questions, ensuring the program supports companies that will benefit most. Please note that not all applicants who meet the size requirements will be accepted into the program.
The VSS platform’s provisionally patented (PP) features make it a unique, mobile-first solution that combines:
- AI-driven tools, automating compliance monitoring, hazard analysis, and safety recommendations.
- Customizable resources, including editable JSAs tailored to the specific needs of each company.
- Immediate OSHA-based field training, enabling employees to address safety gaps immediately.
- Safety culture mapping, helping companies track and improve safety practices over time.
Unlike traditional programs, the VSS platform is entirely free of charge for participating companies, removing financial barriers and ensuring accessibility. The university partnership further distinguishes the program by generating research that informs industry-wide solutions and fosters long-term safety innovation.
Donations received by Equal Safety for All Inc. (ESfAI) will be used to fully support the onboarding, integration, maintenance, and oversight of the Virtual Safety Solution (VSS) platform for small construction companies over a 12-month period. Funds will cover participant onboarding, including the setup and customization of safety management tools, integration of company-specific data, and employee training records.
They will also support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the platform, including AI-driven upgrades, mobile technology improvements, and technical support. Each participating company will be assigned a dedicated fractional safety professional to oversee compliance, monitor safety practices, and provide tailored guidance to address safety gaps. Donations will also fund real-time compliance monitoring, AI-driven safety alerts, and the enforcement of corrective action timelines to ensure continuous improvement.
In addition, donations will support the qualitative application and selection process, ensuring that only companies committed to improving safety are chosen for the program. Funds will also be used to analyze anonymized program data, providing valuable insights that help enhance the VSS platform and influence safety practices across the industry. This research-driven approach not only benefits individual companies but also drives systemic improvements in workplace safety nationwide. Donor contributions guarantee that each selected small construction company receives a full year of comprehensive safety support, ultimately helping to reduce injuries and fatalities in one of the most high-risk industries.
The safety professionals oversee approximately 10 companies each, depending on the company size and trade type. They act as reviewers and compliance monitors, using data generated by the VSS platform to identify gaps, ensure compliance, and provide expert guidance.
Interactions are strategic and focused, addressing critical issues without burdening companies with unnecessary oversight. This personalized support ensures that each company receives the resources and expertise needed to implement sustainable safety practices effectively.
Donor contributions directly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities for small construction companies, lowering workers’ compensation claims, legal risks, and operational disruptions. This creates significant cost savings and a safer work environment for participating businesses.
For institutional donors—such as worker compensation insurance companies, construction trade associations, and industry advocacy organizations—supporting the VSS platform aligns with their mission to enhance workplace safety, reduce claims, and strengthen industry standards. The program’s academic partnership ensures findings benefit the broader industry, creating a ripple effect of improvements.
Examples include:
- A 6-employee commercial roofing company with no formal safety policies or training programs in place.
- A 12-employe electrical contractor experiencing high injury rates due to poor hazard recognition practices and lack of safety resources.
- A 10-employee concrete contractor’s worker’s compensation insurance carrier requires the company to implement safety protocols immediately or face cancellation.
- A 20-employee HVAC contractor managing multiple job sites that needs a part-time safety manager but lacks the financial resources to hire one full-time.
- A 4-employee specialty subcontractor that is required to have established safety resources in place before they can bid on work.
The VSS platform would streamline safety management, ensuring all employees are trained for specific tasks, while the AI-driven system monitors compliance gaps and sends automated training links so OSHA-based training that can be taken in field. These companies often lack access to affordable safety professionals and tools, leaving them vulnerable to preventable incidents. The VSS platform equips them with AI-driven tools, customized resources, and oversight, enabling them to improve safety outcomes effectively and timely.
- Worker Compensation Insurance Companies: Supporting the program helps reduce workplace injuries and associated claims, lowering payouts while improving client outcomes.
- Construction Trade Associations: These organizations can enhance their support for members by helping improve safety standards and reduce incidents.
- Industry Advocacy Groups: Groups focused on small business success and workplace safety can amplify their impact through this initiative.
- Institutional Donors: Foundations and corporations with a focus on safety innovation and workforce development will benefit from funding a research-backed, provisionally patented solution.
- General contractors who need subcontractors but require them to be safely vetted with established safety resources in place.
Ready to Make Construction Safer?
Workplace safety starts with action. Join us in protecting small construction workers by supporting safety initiatives. Whether you’re a business, donor, or industry expert, your involvement saves lives. Let’s build a safer future together!