hard hat

Safety

Safety is an attitude, a frame of mind, and an awareness of what is happening all day, every day.

Workplace safety takes top priority at Graham Design & Construction, and the proof is in our performance. Each employee is entitled to work under the safest possible conditions on every job and we foster a culture where working safely is an expectation, not a request. As a result, our safety record is excellent.

There's no doubt a culture of safety earns benefits, reducing downtime and compensation costs. In addition, attention to safety ensures that everyone goes home to his or her family. That, in the end, is what matters most.

COVID-19 Worksite Safety Policies

COVID-19 safety is more than just personal safety. It is also about protecting others, especially those who are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus.

All workers must be screened and approved to access the site and must sign out indicating that they have had no injury while on site. If this is not done the worker will not be allowed to return to the site.

Once on site, workers maintain a minimum physical distance of two metres from others and must;

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the washroom, when preparing food, and after blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching their face. If hands are not visibly soiled, and soap and water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
  • Avoid sharing hand tools and power tools. If sharing is necessary, enable sanitization of shared equipment and hands. Project drawings are considered to be a tool.
  • Only use personal beverage containers that are clearly marked with the individual’s name. Are to not touch anyone else's personal containers. Disposable coffee cups & water bottles are not allowed on site.
  • Adhere to the new worksite and schedule rearrangement to reduce high-traffic areas and allow for the minimum physical distancing of two metres.
  • Are to wear additional PPE, such as face masks for any work that ultimately must be done in close-proximity for the specific task in order to minimize the risk.

Workers who have been potentially exposed to the virus, or who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, coughing, or congestion are instructed to:

Notify your supervisor immediately, not come to work, and complete the online self-assessment (https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment)

or call:

  • Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
  • or their primary care provider (for example, family physician)

Such workers are required to follow the recommendations of the local health authority and may not return to work until given approval by the proper health authorities.

Workers who begin to display flu-like symptoms on site are instructed to avoid touching anything, take extra care to contain coughs and sneezes, and return home immediately to undergo a 14-day self isolation period.

All workers must exercise the following recommended practices for reducing the risk of transmission;

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
  • Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including all reusable PPE
  • Do not share personal items or supplies such as phones, pens, notebooks, PPE, etc
  • Avoid common physical greetings, such as handshakes.