Today, more than a dozen Chicago-area construction companies are taking part in Safety Stand Down, a nationwide initiative of the Associated General Contractors of America. Busy construction projects across the country are halting 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, today’s Safety Stand Down addresses the latest guidelines and efforts to protect workers and keep construction sites safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, today’s Safety Stand Down looks quite a bit different. All participating firms are to meet with workers standing six feet apart, and no sign-in sheets or materials are allowed.
Also, while instruction on CDC guidelines have been regularly occurring between supervisors, foremen and trade workers, today’s 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.
Among the participating firms, McHugh Construction hosted Coronavirus Safety Stand Downs at nine construction sites today. These include the Gately Park indoor track and field facility project in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, Ogden Commons, a mixed-use project in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, and Festival Hall, adjacent to the Curio Hotel at Navy Pier.
