For the past few years, OSHA has hosted an incredible annual event called the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This voluntary event encourages employers to take some time to talk directly to workers about fall hazards, protective systems, company safety policies, goals, and anything else that brings awareness to preventing falls on construction projects.  Last year this event reached nearly 2.5 million workers.

Fatalities caused by falls continue to be the leading cause of death for workers in the construction industry.  In 2014, falls were responsible for 337 of the 874 construction fatalities in the industry. OSHA has placed a major emphasis on fall safety and contractor compliance. Fall prevention safety standards continue to be among the top 10 frequently most cited OSHA standards each year.  It is important to remember that all falls, and the resulting deaths and injuries, are entirely preventable. Consider taking some time to put together some information and activities for your crews. This event is the perfect first step to improving your company’s fall protection program.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information check out the OSHA website for the event https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/  which provides information and resources you can use to host a successful stand down.

ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE

There are many activities employers can implement in their stand-down to engage workers. We’ve brainstormed a few that we think you might find useful.  If you have any additional activity ideas we would love to hear them. Please contact us at [email protected]

Activities: toolbox talks, safety equipment inspections, training, developing rescue plans, presentations, videos, general fall safety meeting, job-specific hazard information, equipment demonstrations, guest speakers, storytelling, group discussion, and more.

Remember these activities should be engaging and educational so it might be beneficial to supply food, drinks, prizes, etc. Anything you can do to raise awareness about falls on projects will greatly benefit your company. Additionally, these meetings don’t need to put a burden on the project. Managers are encouraged to plan their stand-down that works best for their workplace.

CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION

Another great reason to hold a stand-down is that you get a certificate of participation directly from OSHA, signed by Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.

SHARE YOUR STAND-DOWN STORY

OSHA encourages you to share your stand-down stories with them at [email protected]. They may even feature your stand-down on the official OSHA website.  

HAVE FUN!

This is supposed to be a fun and engaging event for workers to bring awareness to the dangers of falls on construction sites. Your workers will appreciate and benefit from your participation.  Take time to listen to worker concerns or comments during the stand-down as they usually can provide important insight into ways to improve your safety program.

As always our Fall Protection training course is available for $50.00 per worker.