To bring attention to fall hazards in construction, companies are planning “stand-downs” in which they break to discuss the prevention of falls this week, June 2-6, 2014. Fatalities caused by falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 269 of the 775 construction fatalities recorded in 2012.
Information on conducting a safety stand down can be found on the campaign’s OSHA webpage, which suggests toolbox talks on fall prevention, the inspection of safety equipment, and a number of other activities. The campaign website states a goal of having 500,000 workers participate, yet on June 2 OSHA reported that 1 million workers will be reached, nearly 1 of every 5 construction workers in the US.
OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.
We encourage our certificants to participate.