COVID-19 Safety Stand Down coordinated

Several Chicago-area construction companies have participated in Safety Stand-Down. The Safety Stand-Down is a nationwide initiative of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. Operations had halted in busy construction projects across the country for at least 15 minutes at some point during the day to host a Toolbox Talk.

AGCA and Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (CAGC) said in a statement that “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.” Social distancing was observed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. No sign-in sheets or materials were allowed.

The statement also said, “Also, while instruction on CDC guidelines has been regularly occurring between supervisors, foremen and trade workers; (the) Safety Stand Down meetings include participation from senior-level management.” The workers were educated on how to protect themselves and others. The talks had also address stress and coping mechanisms for dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The talks were hosted by Michael Meagher, president of McHugh Construction and president of the CAGC, at the company’s active projects in Chicago and Nashville.