Hundreds of construction firms across the country yesterday stopped work to hold what are called safety stand-downs to focus on ways to protect construction workers and the public from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The safety stand-down, which was organized by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, was designed to make sure firms and workers are taking measures outlined by public health and safety officials to protect workers on active construction sites and the public.
“Construction firms across the country understand that the public is counting on them to protect workers and nearby communities from the spread of the coronavirus,” AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr said in a statement. “Today’s safety stand-downs were designed to make sure everyone working in construction knows, and follows, coronavirus safety measures.”
Construction firms participating in the stand down were asked to break their teams into small, socially distanced groups and cover three different “toolbox” talks that outline steps published by public health and safety officials to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These talks were held in both English and Spanish and covered issues like socially distancing while working and on break, the need for frequent handwashing, restrictions on tool sharing and the need to frequently disinfect high-touch areas.
Over 31,000 workers participated in the safety stand-downs. The stand-downs were held to make sure the new coronavirus safety procedures and practices are being consistently followed.
In addition to organizing the safety stand-downs, AGC has shared safety suggestions and tool kits with member firms, organized an industry-wide safety webinar focusing on ways to protect workers and the public, and provided additional safety resources and success stories across its network of chapters and members.
-------
SOURCE: Associated General Contractors of America
