Prepare for OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down

In advance of the11th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction on May 6 - 10, 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.”