Sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration; CP staff
OSHA and companion federal agencies have designated May 2-6 as the third annual National Safety Stand-Down, reminding or educating construction employers and workers of the serious dangers of falls—the leading cause of fatalities stemming from site accidents.
OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Center for Construction Research and Training are leading an effort to encourage employers to pause during their workday for topic discussions, demonstrations, and training on how to recognize hazards and prevent falls. “Falls still kill far too many construction workers,” says Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “While we regularly work with employers, industry groups and worker organizations on preventing falls and saving lives, the National Safety Stand-Down encourages all employers—from small businesses to large companies operating at many job sites—to be part of our effort to ensure every worker makes it to the end of their shift safely.”
More than four million workers participated in 2014 and 2015 National Safety Stand-Downs, and OSHA expects thousands of employers across the nation to join this year’s event. To guide their efforts, it has developed the official National Safety Stand-Down website with information on conducting a successful stand-down. After their events, employers are encouraged to provide feedback and will receive a personalized certificate of participation.
The National Safety Stand-Down is part of OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign, launched in 2012 in partnership with the NIOSH National Occupational Research Agenda program. It provides employers with lifesaving information and educational materials on how to take steps to prevent falls, provide workers the right equipment and train them on its proper use. — www.osha.gov/stopfalls