Construction leaders take strong stance on pro-active safety measures
On Friday, August 8, 2008 at 7:00 am for one hour, 65 host commercial contractors from all corners of Georgia representing over 400 jobsites all at the same time shut down their jobsites to participate in the industry's first statewide and industry-wide Safety Stand Down.
Georgia Branch, AGC joined with OSHA and CompTrustAGC Mutual Captive Insurance Company (MCIC) to sponsor this important and progressive way of bringing a strong safety message and best safety practices to the construction workforce. With multiple subcontractor firms and their crews participating on each of the participating jobsites, it is estimated the stand down impacted over 26,000 people. To positively impact the construction industry and this many people in one hour’s time is a testament to the quality of construction leaders in Georgia who made it a priority for their firm to participate.
Georgia Branch, AGC’s first Safety Stand Down focused on crane safety, a topic receiving increased national media scrutiny in recent months with major crane accidents and fatalities occurring around the country. Safety Directors, CEO’s and other company managers participated in the stand downs along side of their workers. Under the direction of Georgia Branch, AGC’s Director of Safety, Education and Workforce Development, Cherri Watson, and members of the Chapter’s Safety and Health Committee, the Association organized all the materials and instructions to insure a successful stand down.
The opportunity to introduce best practices in crane safety to the construction community reinforces how contractors in Georgia are being proactive in protecting the well being and safety of their workforce, any other visitors on the jobsite and especially the public at large. Many of the jobsites participating in this Stand Down aren’t using a crane at the present time. This speaks to contractors’ dedication to making sure employees are forward thinking and prepared for the day they may work on a site with a crane.
Future safety stand downs will focus on other important safety topics in keeping with OSHA regulations. For Ms. Watson, “Our first Safety Stand Down exceeded our expectations in the way of support from contractors all over the state and is a real credit to the caliber of construction professionals who are leading these organizations.” Her sentiments are echoed by Mike Dunham, Executive Vice President of Georgia Branch, AGC and Doug Davidson, Chapter President and CEO of New South Construction Company, both excited to see the industry come together to take this type of unified action in the name of safety.
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