National Safety Stand-Down Highlights Fall Prevention

Employers and employees across the country highlighted safe construction work practices during the first full week of May.

More than a decade ago, OSHA launched a National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls week as construction worker deaths outnumbered other workplace fatalities. 

Since its launch in 2012, the initiative has helped train more than 10 million workers on fall prevention.

Still, falls remain the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry.

Prevention Activities

Throughout the week, agency officials encourage employers to pause during the workday and conduct stand-down activities. 

This ranges from safety demonstrations to hazard recognition, fall prevention training, and tool-box talks about hazards. 

Officials also encourage employers to lead discussions about job-specific hazards. 

Officials also encourage employers to lead discussions about job-specific hazards. 

There are a number of resources available to employers related to fall prevention.

During a survey in 2023, the Center for Construction Research and Training found insufficient or ineffective planning as the number one underlying cause of falls from heights. 

The organization developed a hierarchy of controls to support contractors and business owners in their fall prevention efforts. 

Locally, CONN-OSHA is offering employers a virtual class June 5 to provide employers with various fall protection options.