As part of last week’s National Safety Stand-Down Week, a number of Granger Construction jobsites took time to emphasize the importance of proper safety protocols and promote discussions among workers about jobsite hazards, protection, policies and goals.
Granger Construction’s project team at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross Athletics South Competition and Performance Project in Ann Arbor hosted an event on May 9 in partnership with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). Seven MIOSHA representatives were on-hand to discuss fall safety with approximately 230 workers.
This event was organized as part of the National Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) National Safety Stand-Down event, a voluntary event for employers across the country to talk directly to employees about safety. Workplaces were encouraged to hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention.” 
Following the presentation inside U-M’s new Sports Performance Center, part of a $168 million athletic complex currently under construction, workers spent time asking questions about a variety of safety-related topics and witnessed a fall protection demonstration.
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities recorded in 2015. The National Fall Prevention Stand-Down helps to raise fall hazard awareness in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.
“These events are a great way to remind all workers on our sites of the importance of fall prevention measures, and the serious consequences of taking shortcuts,” said Brian Goodman, Granger Construction’s corporate safety officer.
Granger Construction boasts an impressive safety performance record. It has been recognized for the past nine years by the Associated General Contractors of Michigan with the “Outstanding Safety Performance Award.”
As part of National Safety Stand-Down week, several other Granger teams hosted events, including the GM Lansing Grand River Plant project. In Lansing, approximately 45 workers participated in a Stand-Down event that included an overview and discussion of fall-related statistics. Trade workers were congratulated for their commitment to safety and United Rentals was on-hand to share new fall protection devices.
