The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas is preparing for a COVID-19 Safety Stand down on Thursday (April 23).
“As you may know, ABC is a member of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), and we’ve been working diligently to provide coalition members with jobsite safety information on COVID-19, which includes the development of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan for Construction,” the association reported in its April 17 newsletter.
“The CISC steering group was hopeful that a stand-down could occur on a single day, but, unfortunately, we could not get everyone to agree on an event date. Therefore, individual associations are encouraged to ask their members to hold a COVID-19 Safety Stand-down any time during the month of April. CISC began rolling out plans this week. ABC has decided to host COVID-19 Safety Stand-downs next Thursday, April 23.”
“We believe having a stand-down is a vital opportunity to persuade employers and workers in construction to ensure their behavior keeps them safe and slows the spread of the virus, especially since many jurisdictions are allowing construction work to continue.
ABC Carolinas has provided toolbox talks and suggestions for hosting and promoting a COVID-19 Safety Stand-down, or companies can use their own resources.
“In addition, everyone should emphasize that the stand-down can be held digitally simply by distributing the materials via text or email message. If they are held in person, social distancing guidance should be strictly followed (i.e., avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people; participants must remain at least six feet apart).