This week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is holding its 7th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls. The Stand-Down raises awareness of fall hazards in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. According to OSHA, fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. Of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018, 320 were the result of falls.
In past years, participation has been vast and varied. Commercial and residential construction companies and contractors have joined in along with highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, unions, employer's trade associations, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.
OSHA’s National Stand-Down web page says, “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.”
Visit the web page at https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/.
You can find out how to conduct a Safety Stand-Down of your own along with information on the organizations partnering with OSHA.
