National Safety Stand-Down is May 2-6!
Talking about hazards, protective methods, and safety policies with your construction workers could bring fall-related injuries to zero!
There’s no denying the fact that every year fall-related injuries are on the rise and a constant topic on construction sites throughout the world. To date, falls are the number one cause of death among construction workers, according to OSHA’s Top 10 list of safety violations. But these injuries and fatalities are preventable.
To bring heightened awareness to the serious nature of fall-related injuries, the annual National Safety Stand-Down will be held May 2-6. Participating in Safety Stand-Down creates an excellent opportunity for companies to not only promote fall protection but bring attention to the hazards they face on the job. And since all job sites are different, talking about the seriousness of fall-related hazards is mission-critical.
Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by having a toolbox talk or by organizing a safety activity, such as, safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job-specific hazards.
The Safety Stand-Down event is completely voluntary; however, all employers are encouraged to talk with employees about goals and safety expectations to improve the fall prevention programs they currently use.
Fall prevention training resources are available and recommended to be distributed to employees prior to the Safety Stand-Down. OSHA suggests reviewing all fall prevention programs - such as falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, stairs, structural steel, floor or roof opening, and fragile roof surfaces - with workers.
OSHA has partnered with key groups to assist with this movement, including organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), the U.S. Air Force, and OSHA-approved State Plans.
All participants are encouraged to provide feedback about the Stand-Down experience and can download a Certificate of Participation for completion.
Use this National Safety Stand-Down to make a difference and reinforce the importance of safety.
