What Is An EMR Rating In Demolition?
The Experience Modification Rate, or EMR, plays a major role in defining a construction or demolition firm's safety reputation. It influences workers’ compensation insurance premiums and can determine which jobs your company is eligible to bid on. A strong EMR opens doors. A weak one can close them fast.
Think of the EMR as a safety score. It reflects how your company’s claim history compares to others in the same field. A 1.0 is the baseline. Ratings above this suggest a higher-than-average risk, while numbers below reflect stronger safety practices.
What Does a High EMR Cost You?
Clients often require proof of your EMR before even considering your bid. A rating above 1.0 might disqualify you from projects that prioritize safety. Skilled workers, too, are drawn to companies with proven safety track records. In a competitive labor market, your EMR can either attract talent or push it away.
And then there’s the financial hit. A firm with a 1.2 EMR could be paying significantly more in insurance premiums than a competitor at 1.0. These extra costs stack up over time, tightening project margins and limiting flexibility.
How Is It Calculated?
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) gathers data from across the industry. Your firm’s record is compared to others, and EMR is determined using the past five years of claims data—although only the most recent three are considered in the final calculation.
How to Improve Your EMR
Start with the basics: invest in safety. That means routine training, active incident tracking, and strong communication on job sites. Encourage a culture where safety is not treated as a requirement but as part of daily operations. Focus each team meeting on specific risks that apply to the current work.
Explore smart technologies that reduce hazards, like wearables or monitoring systems that flag issues early. Emergency plans should also be practiced regularly to ensure smooth coordination if anything does go wrong.
Rigo Demolition Prioritizes Safety
Safety performance impacts every aspect of a firm’s success. At Rigo Demolition, we take that seriously. Our EMR reflects our commitment to proactive planning and on-site diligence. Contact us to learn more about how we manage risk and maintain a safe, efficient environment across all of our projects.