The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) is promoting a National Trench and Excavation Stand Down to raise awareness of the dangers in excavation work to prevent injuries and death related to these hazards. As a proud NUCA partner we are participating in this outreach program as well as to support our customer’s emphasis on promoting safe working environments for their employees. We’ve provided details on the program below and what you can do to participate:
What exactly is a safety stand down?
A safety stand down is an organized, voluntary event for employers to talk with employees and stakeholders regarding safety. For this particular event, the focus will be on trench and excavation hazards and reinforcing the importance of identifying and preventing those hazards.
What are the goals for the stand down?
NUCA’s ultimate goal, and that of all individual participants, will be to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur each year in our industry. Our customers already have a keen focus on safety and the stand down is designed to provide a time that every stakeholder in the trench and excavation process takes a moment to remember the hazards associated with excavation work, in addition to the education and training efforts companies promote year-round.
Is there any recognition for signing up?
NUCA will be sending certificates of participation to all companies that participate in the stand down, recognizing those company’s continued commitment to promoting safe excavation work. In addition, NUCA will be publishing a national list of those firms that participate in this stand down.
When will the stand down be?
NUCA has set the official dates for the stand down as June 20th through June 24th.
Where will the stand down be?
The stand down may be held anywhere, a jobsite, an office or you may participate in a NTS sponsored stand down at your nearest NTS branch location.
What do I need to do?
If you would like to participate you would need to communicate the stand down throughout your company and provide direction on what you would like your crews to cover during this session?
What do I need to cover?
The subject matter for the stand down is completely up to the individual company but the goal is that it focuses on the hazards associated with excavation work. To facilitate the training sessions, NTS’ training department has developed a suggested outline for the session that may be used as a starting point for discussions. You may download that suggested outline by clicking HERE.
What will NTS be doing to participate?
NTS will be hosting a safety stand down at each one of its nationwide branch locations on Friday, June 24th, 2016 where an experienced trench safety professional will be covering important safety topics at 2 PM local time. All customers are invited to attend these sessions; however, we do ask that you RSVP to the NTS branch (find nearest branch by visiting us at ntsafety.wpengine.com/contact) so that we can plan accordingly. After the 30 minute session, if customers would like NTS will provide a walkthrough of the NTS facility and explaining protective systems in detail and answering any questions that customers may have.
In the event, you are unable to attend one of our training sessions, NTS has also published a suggested 30 minute toolbox outline that may be used on a jobsite. If questions arise regarding any shoring concern during these conversations, NTS would be happy to send a NTS representative by your jobsite to discuss the concerns in greater detail.
Additional Questions
If we missed something or you have additional questions, please contact your nearest NTS branch location for additional details. You can see a current NTS branch listing by visiting our website at ntsafety.wpengine.com/contact.