More than a dozen Chicago-area construction companies participated in Safety Stand Down, a nationwide initiative of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America on April 9.. Busy construction projects across the country halted operations for at least 15 minutes at some point during the day to host a Toolbox Talk.
“Usually an annual event focused on fall protection, the Safety Stand Down addresses the latest guidelines and efforts to protect workers and keep construction sites safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the AGCA and Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (CAGC) said in a statement. “As such, the Safety Stand Down looks quite a bit different. All participating firms met with workers standing 6 feet apart, and no sign-in sheets or materials were allowed. “Also, while instruction on CDC guidelines have been regularly occurring between supervisors, foremen and trade workers; (the) Safety Stand Down meetings include participation from senior-level management.”
In addition to educating workers on how to protect themselves and others, the talks also address stress and coping mechanisms for dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Michael Meagher, president of McHugh Construction and the CAGC’s president, hosted these talks today at the company’s active projects in Chicago and Nashville.
