The Fast and Fierce: A True Safety Success Story

[Author’s Note: this story highlights the importance of safety training in a real world scenario. To protect the identity of our TDPartners, fellow tradespeople, partner companies, clients, and project, all names and identifying information have been omitted.]

Continuous safety training prepares you to react quickly and methodically. When the adrenaline is pumping, you rely on your instinct and agile thinking. TDPartners are trained to respond almost instinctively to ensure that the safety and well-being of all is put into practice.

Recently, TDPartners responded to a situation that saved the life of a fellow tradesperson from another company on their construction site. Shortly after a safety meeting, Partners heard cries of distress calling attention to a tradesperson slipping in and out of consciousness. The person was slumped on a 5-gallon bucket, barely able to speak.

This person needed emergency medical attention. And they needed it fast.

Quick-thinking by our Partners involved delegating tasks, each taking a role within a group with a goal.

One team moved swiftly to the jobsite’s main entrance (nearly a quarter-mile away) to direct paramedics to the correct location. Another group hopped into their vehicles clearing a path for emergency vehicles onsite and relocated traffic cones for easy egress. A crew worked to remove building materials from the immediate site, while a fourth team built a makeshift ramp over rebar so that a stretcher could be brought to the individual. Finally, a fifth cadre of Partners stayed close to the tradesperson until emergency response personnel arrived.

Because Partners orchestrated their efforts without delay, the ambulance was able to enter the jobsite, retrieve the ailing tradesperson, and drive offsite without issue.

The tradesperson was released from the hospital that evening after being treated for heat-related symptoms, affecting consciousness.

Heat-stroke and heat-exhaustion are some of the perils that can affect field personnel, and as we all know, construction work has many associated hazards. Because of their bravery, safety training, and alertness, Partners saved this person’s life. They are living proof of one of TD’s Core Values: Fiercely Protect the Safety of All Partners. Well done, TDPartners!