Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 370 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2016 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. OSHA is sponsoring its 5th annual National Safety Stand-Down the week of May 7-11, 2018, to raise fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary opportunity for employers to talk directly to employees about job hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies and goals. Any workplace can hold a Stand-Down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. The event can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.

Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants have included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. military, other government participants, unions, employer’s trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations and safety equipment manufacturers.

Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break during the work day to offer a toolbox talk or other safety activity, such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a Stand-Down activity anytime during the week of May 7-11, 2018. See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful “Stand-Down” and Highlights from the Past Stand-Downs. OSHA also hosts an Events page with events that are free and open to the public to help employers and employees find events in your area.

Employers are encouraged to provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation. If you want to share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down, fall prevention programs or suggestions on how we can improve future initiatives, please send your email to [email protected]. Also share your Stand-Down story on social media using the hashtag #standdown4safety.

If you plan to host a free event that is open to the public, see OSHA’s Events page to submit the event details and to contact your Regional Stand-Down Coordinator.