Martin Electric's New EMR

Every year, our EMR rating is updated based on the last completed calendar year. This year, Martin Electric’s EMR moved from 0.55 to 0.50; continuing a steady improvement from 0.57 to 0.55 to 0.50 over the past few years.

For those outside of construction and insurance, EMR (Experience Modification Rate) is a score that compares a contractor’s workers’ compensation claims history to the industry average.
1.0 is average. Below 1.0 means better-than-average safety performance. This is a rare example of “the lower the number, the better”.

For general contractors and construction managers, EMR isn’t just an insurance number, it’s a risk indicator. A lower EMR typically means:

• Fewer injuries and jobsite incidents
• Lower likelihood of project delays due to safety issues
• Lower insurance and liability exposure on a project
• A contractor that can consistently qualify for larger and more complex work

EMR is calculated using a rolling three-year history, which means improvement doesn’t happen by accident and it doesn’t happen quickly. It comes from consistent training, planning, supervision, and crews who look out for each other on site.

We’re proud of the number, but more importantly, we understand what the number represents: people going home safe and projects running the way they’re supposed to.

Our construction peers may be asking – how did we get our EMR that low? If you want to improve your EMR, the biggest things that move the needle are:

• Light duty / return-to-work programs
• Consistent safety training (not just paperwork)
• Pre-task planning
• Regular and strategic Toolbox Talks
• Developed camaraderie among our crews
• Early reporting and claim management
• Holding supervisors accountable for safety, not just schedule
• Holding everyone accountable to 'See something? Say something." across all trades

A good EMR doesn’t come from one big initiative. It comes from a lot of small decisions made the right way, over and over again, for a long time.

Safety is measurable. And it shows up in the work.