Each year since 2012 when The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction began and was followed in 2014 by the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, the safety stand-downs have consistently tried to increase awareness about how falls, especially in construction, can be prevented. 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 according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The 2024 Safety Stand-Down takes place May 6-10, with a virtual event occurring on Tuesday, May 7 at 2pm (Eastern Time) to educate the public on how rescue planning can save lives. On May 8 at 2pm (Eastern Time), a second Safety Stand-Down webinar will be presented in Spanish.
“Attendees will learn more about identifying a competent person to lead fall prevention and rescue planning, incorporating key components of a rescue plan into the pre-job planning process, and using FREE resources and templates to tailor your plans to each unique jobsite.”
The safety campaign was started in combination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to prevent and stop the leading cause of death in construction. Ultimately, the Fall Prevention Campaign aims to raise awareness among workers and employers about common fall hazards and how falls from scaffolds, roofs, and ladders can be prevented.
Companies can also use the Safety Stand-Down as an opportunity to converse with employees about job hazards, protective methods, and safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to engage with management about various job hazards and how those hazards can be corrected for a safer workplace.
Ways to Prevent Falls:
Employers with people working at heights must plan projects so the job is performed safely. A safety plan begins by deciding how the job will be performed, the tasks involved, and what safety equipment is necessary.
2. Provide the Correct equipment.
Any worker six feet or above a lower level is at risk of injury if the person falls. Therefore, employers must provide fall protection and equipment to protect workers, including the correct scaffolds, ladders and safety hardware.
3. Train all users on how to use equipment safely.
Each worker must be trained to use all equipment safely and employers also must train workers in recognizing potential hazards.
More information about hosting a Safety Stand-Down, preparing for a successful Stand-Down, or joining a local event can be found at https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down#coordinatorModal.
