TN Safety Update | May 5, 2021
Worksite Safety Reminder
Today, we have a sober message reminding you of the importance of work site safety. Construction workers are hearty, daring people. But it is important to remind our workers we want them to go home safe to their family at the end of each day.
 
Last Week, April 28 was Worker Memorial Day. We pause to pay our respects to those who lost their lives on the job and recognize the impact these tragic losses have on families, co-workers, and communities. Tennessee’s construction sites are not immune from injuries or fatalities. Take time this week to review your safety protocols with your employees and your subcontractors. 
Builders Mutual Encourages Your Participation in the National Safety Stand-Down  

This week, May 3-7, Builders Mutual will participate in OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down for fall protection for the ninth consecutive year. The Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event designed to encourage employers and workers to pause one day during the week to discuss fall hazards and reinforce the importance of fall protection.
Help us promote this important initiative! Encourage your members to focus on safety and its importance in their workplace.
Follow Builders Mutual on Facebook as they share #StandDown4Safety events.


DAILY DUE DILIGENCE
How should employers stay on top of fall protection? When working directly with your employees, start each day with a huddle. Discuss the projects and activities for the day, where work will be done, and the potential hazards. Most importantly, make sure everyone has everything they need to do the job safely—and that they are confident about exactly what that means. Emphasize that each member of the team is a professional, and professionals in this industry use fall protection, implement guardrails, use appropriate PPE, etc. Professionals work safely.
 
Regarding subcontractors, employers can assess the job-site for potential hazards during the course of the project and maintain open lines of communication to ensure everyone is trained to handle any issue that may come up. Always document these conversations and that subs are following OSHA protocols.
 
This OSHA standard is another reason why using a subcontractor agreement is a necessity. It demonstrates that you, as the employer and the one ultimately responsible for the project, follow the rules. When you see that someone is not performing their job correctly, take photos, document the scenario, then send that information to them and their supervisor (if he or she is a sub). These actions are the only defense against an OSHA citation.
 
Job-site safety, specifically fall protection, begins with the employer and starts well before anyone steps on a ladder or roof. If you would like to learn more about fall protection or duty to have fall protection (OSHA 1926.501), please reach out to your Builders Mutual Risk Management Consultant. 
A Chance to Talk Lumber with Your Lawmakers

NAHB members have a unique opportunity to build on the efforts of their leadership team by Bringing Housing Home® during the week of May 3-7. Congress will be back home for an in-district work period.
This is a great time to call on your U.S. Representative’s or U.S. Senators’ office to invite them to visit one of your worksites. Allowing your elected official to see first-hand what is involved in the residential construction industry will have a real impact. We encourage you to educate them on how the price of lumber and other materials impact your business. Explain your challenges with finding workers to complete your projects on a timely basis, as well as any other matters that impact their businesses and communities.
Visit BringingHousingHome.com for additional resources and information from NAHB on how to identify your representatives and invite them to a meeting.




In order to advocate for our industry, we must maintain engagement with our state legislators all year long. Our political activity when elected officials are away from their official duties is just as important as when we are arguing for or against legislation. We encourage all Builders to participate in our Housing Industry Political Action Committee.
By making a contribution today or setting up quarterly donations, you are joining other builders and industry professionals who are serious about supporting our industry.


HBAT’s legislative efforts help protect the business interests of the men and women who provide housing for Tennesseans. We closely monitor the issues affecting Tennessee’s home building industry, urging lawmakers to take action. When the legislature is not in session, these goals are carried out through the effort of our Housing Industry PAC activities.
Healthcare Notice for HBAT Members
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace is being reopened thru May 15th. 

The HBATBT Health Plan is open for quoting and enrollment, as well. 
The HBATBT Health Plan team would like to help you select a policy that meets your needs and budget. Take a look at all your available options before making a decision. 
Contact Key Risk at 423-629-2400 or HBATBT@KeyRiskUnd.com. Or, visit https://keyriskund.com/hbatbt/.




NAHB has Additional Savings Programs for Business Savvy Members
Whether it’s a discount on a product or service or a more efficient way to operate, the smart business person is always looking at ways to cut costs and maximize returns.
Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. 
Make the most of your membership and check out the discounts here.
This online pdf flyer maybe easier to see on your phone.