This week is the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention".

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 378 of the 986 construction fatalities recorded in 2021 (Bureau of Labor Statistics data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

The following tips from OSHA can help workers stay safe from fall hazards:

When working on roofs:

• Wear a harness and always stay connected
• Make sure your harness fits
• Use guardrails or lifelines
• Inspect all fall protection equipment before use
• Guard or cover all holes, openings, and skylights

When working on ladders:

• Choose the right ladder for the job
• Maintain three points of contact
• Secure the ladder
• Always face the ladder

When working on scaffolds:

• Use fully planked scaffolds
• Ensure proper access to scaffold
• Plumb and level
• Complete all guardrails
• Ensure stable footing
• Inspect before use

The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction was launched in 2012, with leadership from NIOSH, OSHA, and CPWR. In 2014, the stand-down event was conceived by OSHA as part of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction and has become the cornerstone of the campaign.

To learn more about the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, visit the OSHA webpage: https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down

HazTek Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive safety management services designed to protect workers by enhancing workplace safety. Once again, HazTek Safety Professionals will be leading Safety Stand-Down events — on our clients’ behalf — at various jobsites and work locations throughout the U.S. For information about HazTek's Fall Safety Solutions division or to learn more about any of our other services, please contact us at 888.842.9835 or visit HazTek’s website: www.haztekinc.com

Credit to: OSHA