BY JP BURNEY | SEP 25, 2020
ABOUT SAFETY WEEK
Every day when we walk onto a job site, we know what’s on the line. The work. Our reputations. A paycheck. But most importantly, what’s really on the line are the lives and livelihood of every person on the job site. That’s why we will do everything in our power to ensure that every one of us is safe. Our commitment to safety is a promise to ourselves, our coworkers and the families who rely and count on us. Safety Week is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate that promise to do whatever it takes to send everyone home safely every day.
MISSION:
The mission of Safety Week is to collectively raise the awareness of the construction industry’s continuing commitment to eliminating worker injury and to clearly communicate its dedication to a shared culture of care, concern, and the belief that every week must be Safety Week. The message is Built on Safety!
Guide for Crestline Construction Leaders: We Care, We Listen, We Share, We Innovate, We Excel.
Company leaders should make call field leadership or take visits to projects throughout the week participating in things such as: stretch and flex, attending safety meetings, and reviewing JHA’s. Ask yourself the following questions upon arrival at the projects:
How engaged am I currently in our company safety programs?
Can I increase my engagement levels with the project teams?
Can I make a difference to our workers' safety by engaging more?
Does our company empower me to make a difference in workplace safety?
After considering these questions, make a pledge to commit to something in 2020 that you believe will make a difference to your own personal safety performance, something that will improve your project's safety performance and help provide an injury-free workplace.
Create action plans to follow through on your commitments.
Communicate your commitments and action plans to job site employee
MONDAY, SEP 14, 2020: DRIVING SAFE
Whether our employees are driving to work or driving on the weekend with family members, driving has become one of the most dangerous activities our society participates in on a day to day basis. It is important to remember that all drivers follow local, state, and federal laws to ensure the safety of all on roadways and highways. Remember if you are driving a company vehicle that you do not talk or text on a phone while driving. It is preferred that employees pull over to a safe location off the road or use a hands-free system to prevent distracted driving. Please remember to always wear a seatbelt when riding or driving in a vehicle.
TUESDAY, SEPT 15, 2020: FALL PROTECTION AT JOB SITES, OFFICES, AND LADDER SAFETY AT HOME
FIELD:
Inspected all fall protection equipment (harness, lanyards, and anchor devices).
Inspected ladders on jobsite as a project team. Check (spreaders, cleats, steps, side rails, and ladder stickers).
Removed potential hazards on the job that could cause slips, trips, or falls.
Ensured housekeeping practices are in place. Are walkways clear of hazards, are holes covered, and are steps (19-inches and above)/handrails in place with mid-rail/toe board?
OFFICE:
When walking downstairs, use handrails.
Look for any trip hazards around the desk area (extension cords, trash cans, and objects that could cause someone to trip or fall).
Keep filing cabinets closed.
Clean up wet floor surfaces.
Do not stand on chairs to reach above.
For locations that may experience earthquakes are objects around you secure, so they do not fall on top of you in the event of an earthquake.
HOME:
While working at home it is just as important to follow ladder safety rules, review the handout to ensure ladders are being used safely at home. Take the information and apply it to prevent incidents at home.
WEDNESDAY, SEP 16, 2020: COVID-19
Reviewed COVID procedures for both Crestline Construction office and field locations make sure we are following our procedures for daily self-surveys for entry on to job sites and office locations, wear a mask, maintain proper social distancing, and keep your hands clean. By following our procedures, we prevent the spread of the virus.
THURSDAY, SEP 17, 2020: MENTAL HEALTH
In today’s construction world it is important to maintain a good sense of mental health. We talked about aspects that affect construction workers whether it is anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts one in five construction workers struggle with mental health issues. At Crestline Construction we are here to support our workforce during these times and want our workforce to know we are here to bring about awareness to help our employees.
FRIDAY, SEP 18, 2020: EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
EMPLOYEE SAFETY APPRECIATION DAY:
Gave out recognition for safety performance on projects. This included Crestline Construction shirts, hats, or trinkets. Sought out vendors who may want to demonstrate a tool for training purposes and donate a few product items.
Reviewed safety and performance with project teams and offices.
Asked the question to employees “What are we doing to make our offices and jobsites safer?” “What choices are we going to make to work safe?”
Thanked employees for working safe, and making Crestline job sites and offices safe.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JP Burney, Corporate Safety Manager, received formal education and several OSHA certifications from Eastern Michigan University and Oakland U, respectively. He has been in the field of Environmental, Health, and Safety for over 16 years. JP comes to Crestline Construction from Safety Consulting Group, Restored Safety & Security, which he has owned since 2007. JP holds certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals(ASSP). JP is also an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer for Construction and General Industry standards.