Have a Plan, Get Home Safe with Bill Duguay

NSSGA Podcast

With the holidays right around the corner, Libby brings us this special installment of Safety Shorts that is both timely and timeless. Today, the spotlight is on Bill Duguay, an industry veteran with an impressive 40+ years of experience in constructing roads and bridges across the nation. Beyond his career in construction, Bill now collaborates closely with leadership teams, aiding them in the pursuit of business excellence.

The central theme of this episode revolves around a powerful safety narrative, as Bill shares a personal account that serves as an unwavering reminder of the grave dangers associated with drinking and driving during the holiday season and beyond. In a world where safety and responsibility are paramount, this episode serves as an imperative reminder of our individual and collective roles in ensuring safety on the roads.

Episode Highlights:

• Bill recounts a tragic incident from his early career, where two coworkers lost their lives in a drinking and driving accident just days before Christmas

• With the holiday season approaching, Bill emphasizes the importance of planning for safe transportation after festive gatherings

• Bill urges us all to engage in open conversations about safety, both in the workplace and among loved ones

• Beyond drinking and driving, Bill emphasizes the need to address all forms of impaired and distracted driving

• Prevention is always preferable to dealing with the aftermath of poor decisions

• The importance of checking in with coworkers, friends, and family to ensure they have a safe plan for getting home after consuming alcohol

• The holiday season should be a time of joy, gratitude, and family bonding, not marred by avoidable accidents - by making safe choices, we can ensure happier memories for all

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

In this episode, Bill talks about an impaired driving accident that killed two coworkers over the holidays.

• Why do you think it is important to be especially vigilant around impaired driving during the holiday season?

• How can we apply the message of “Get home safe” to our personal lives?

• Does anyone have a personal story about impaired driving?

Quotes:

“They were fathers, they were husbands, they were coworkers, and they were friends. And sitting there sharing their pain, sharing their grief, knowing that their children were going to grow up without their fathers…it's just horrible that a season of joy turned into a season of misery for their families.”

"I can't imagine the pain the family went through.”"

"Find the courage. Find the time. Spread the message. Have a plan to get home safe and sound."

"My ask is that as we come into the holiday season, a season of joy and giving and gratefulness that we find time to talk about having a plan to get ourselves home safe and sound to our families and loved ones."

"Be brave and have hard conversations. Check in with your coworkers, your loved ones, your family, your friends."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website