Contractors onboarded in the first year (vs. 500 goal)
Employee cost savings through automation
Cell towers supported with improved safety compliance
SBA Communications transformed contractor safety and compliance, gaining centralized oversight, reducing costs, and strengthening safety across its 30,000 towers worldwide.
With almost 30,000 towers worldwide and 2,500 subcontractors, SBA struggled to monitor compliance with OSHA regulations and insurance requirements. Lacking a central system, staff manually tracked safety manuals, insurance coverage, and contractor data. After a spike in tower-related injuries in 2014, SBA realized it needed a contractor safety and compliance solution.
After reviewing multiple vendors, SBA selected Avetta for its proven telecom experience. Implementation began in 2015 with Supplier Prequalification, Supplier Audits, and Insurance Monitoring. Avetta’s team exceeded adoption goals, onboarding 1,300 contractors in the first year against SBA’s target of 500.
Supplier Prequalification simplified data collection and verification, allowing SBA to define compliance criteria and quickly identify qualified contractors. Supplier Audits provided clear reports, including photos and scoring, to evaluate safety practices both on-site and in manuals. Insurance Monitoring streamlined verification and provided alerts for policy changes or expirations, ensuring contractors always carried the required coverage. Together, these solutions saved SBA approximately US$100,000 in employee costs while boosting accountability and safety.
“When we have issues with contractor safety information, we can be much more proactive. The Avetta solution is a powerful tool; and, as a leader in our industry, we can use it to make the industry safer.”
– Nick Wilkerson, Safety Director, SBA Communications
Through Avetta, SBA now verifies contractor safety compliance and insurance requirements rapidly from any location, with system-wide alerts and mobile access. The company has improved efficiency, cut costs, and strengthened safety outcomes, creating greater peace of mind for both management and contractors.
SBA Communications Corporation, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure. SBA owns nearly 30,000 cell towers globally, providing site leasing and development services across North, Central, and South America.
Avetta’s Workforce Management solution gives you real-time visibility and control over your workforce and assets. Easily verify worker qualifications, ensure only competent, trained personnel access your sites, and meet all safety and legislative requirements with confidence – all while reducing risk and improving operational efficiency.