National Grid joins OSHA in celebrating Safe + Sound Week

National Grid on Monday joined the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a participant in Safe + Sound Week, a nationwide event held each August to recognize workplace health and safety programs and to offer information and ideas on how to keep workers safe.

A press release said, “This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, National Grid is using Safe + Sound Week as an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to our focus on safety. As an essential service provider, National Grid’s workers are safely keeping utility infrastructure operational and meeting customers’ needs during this unprecedented time. The company developed a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan and instituted an active incident command structure (ICS) to manage the crisis. National Grid implemented new safety measures, like virtual ergonomic assessments for home offices, and continue to emphasize employee access to mental health services. The company also mandated that employees wear face coverings and practice social distancing and hand hygiene to keep themselves and the public safe.”

Employees will be asked to participate in the OSHA “Take 3 in 30” challenge, identifying three safety measures that can be taken in the next 30 days to improve safety, health and wellbeing. Additionally, company resources and safety information will be shared throughout the week, including DigSafe information to recognize DigSafe Day on Aug. 11.

National Grid said it’s committed to safety measures that align with OSHA’s values of management leadership, worker participation and the identification of safety hazards all year long:

Management Leadership

√ Hosting quarterly safety leadership days and regular safety visits, where managers foster conversations and safety activities for teams.

√ Annual safety, health and environment plans required for all business functions with tailored goals around process, prevention and worker protection.

√ Celebrating safety milestones and recognizing safety successes.

√ Collaborating with industry partners through participation with Edison Electric Institute and the American Gas Association on current safety trends and best practices.

Worker Participation

√ Worker-led “safety moments” before the start of each meeting.

√ Regional safety councils that serve to identify risks and solutions.

√ Annual safety, health and environment survey on what’s working and where safety can be improved

√ “Stretch and Flex” sessions facilitated by team members locally to prevent soft tissue injury.

√ Annual safety training curriculums, including the SMITH driver program.

Identification of Safety Hazards

√ Effective safety discussion targets, which aim to reduce risk and identify solutions.

Near Miss/Good Catch Reporting

√ Job briefings and checklists required before work begins, including hazard recognition and controls to mitigate safety risks.

√ A fatigue risk management system to help workers understand how to mitigate fatigue.