National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls is this week

OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is this week.

Falls from height, one of the industry’s “fatal four” safety hazards is the leading cause of death for construction workers. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, there are more than 350 fatalities and 20,000 serious injuries annually, and in 2022, falls from heights took 395 construction workers’ lives.

Despite ongoing efforts to provide workers with proper PFPE training and educational event opportunities – one example being the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which celebrated its 12th anniversary this year – the construction industry’s fall protection standard again topped OSHA’s most-frequently cited list in 2023 (for the 13th year in a row.) And even more concerning is that from 2011 to 2022, the number of fatal falls to a lower level increased 52.7 percent, while the rate increased 13.3 percent, according to data from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR.)

OSHA has shared several new tools and resources to assist workplaces in preparing for and participating in the Stand-Down, as well as ways to get involved.

(Photo: OSHA)

Free resources, available here, include hardhat stickers and hazard alert codes, as well as the 2024 official poster.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

What is the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.

For those who want to get involved, OSHA said, “If you plan to host a free event that is open to the public and want to post your event on OSHA’s webpage, you may submit the event details here or contact your Regional Stand-Down Coordinator to learn more.”

OSHA is also urging companies that have fall prevention resources in other languages to reach out to Jessica Bunting: [email protected] so it can add them to its Fall Prevention Resources page.

“As a reminder, anyone who wants to prevent fall hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down,” said Arlene Williams, OSHA’s directorate of cooperative and state programs. “Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break for a toolbox talk or other safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Consider planning a stand-down event that works for your workplace.”