National Safety Stand Down - Prevent Falls in Construction

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about falls and other job hazards they see.

Read more from the original OSHA article here.

Safety is paramount — No matter how small or large the job is, prior to a tool be touched we conduct staff safety meetings, and review the action plan for the day.

We believe High Performance, High Value is demonstrated through the standards set by Gorilla Netting and the consistent management of these standards by all employees. We believe that working safely is a condition of employment and failure to meet this condition has consequences. Every employee has the right as well as the responsibility to refuse unsafe work if our standards are not upheld. All employees also have a duty to be familiar with the tools provided by Gorilla Netting to maintain a safe work environment. Gorilla Netting’s care for you and your co-workers drives management to establish the following Target Zero standards:

FIT FOR DUTY / FIT FOR TASK

Be drug and alcohol-free, wear proper personal protective equipment, and be orientated for the task.

INCIDENT REPORTING

All incidents including personal injury, near hits, equipment damage, vehicle incidents, or environmental incidents will be immediately reported to the direct supervisor.

CRITICAL TASK REVIEW

Prior to beginning a critical task, personnel must review the applicable safe operating procedure / JSA (Job Safety Analysis).

ENERGY ISOLATION

Prior to working on equipment, all energy sources must be locked out, tagged, and de-energized by means of electrical or mechanical isolation. Individuals working on equipment must verify that all standards are met prior to beginning repairs.

CRITICAL SAFETY DEVICES

Safety devices will not be bypassed unless an approved deviation process (management of change) is completed that provides an equivalent level of safety while the device is inoperable. These devices would include but are not limited to, smoke alarms, crown savers, board savers, brake alarms, and link tilt alarms. All safety devices must be inspected and tested on an approved schedule and in good working order at all times.

DRIVING SAFETY

Seat belts must be worn. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers are secured.
Distracted driving rules must be followed:
- Not texting, no emails, no calls unless a hands-free device is used.
- Distracted driving rules apply also to heavy equipment, e.g. forklifts, loaders, bobcats, trucks, as well as road vehicles.

WORKING AT HEIGHT

Only employees trained in fall protection will work at height. Personnel will be secured with appropriate fall protection equipment and follow standards established in safe operating procedures.

RESPECT

Consistent with Gorilla Netting’s Core Values, it is imperative that work environments be free from harassment, including hostility, violence, and contempt. An environment where respect is held between team members supports our continual focus on reinforcing safe work behaviors and identifying and correcting those people at risk.