Construction workers urged to stand down for fall safety

Construction workers across the world are encouraged to participate in the 10th National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction during the week of 1-5 May. Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for approximately 40% of all construction fatalities. Construction companies with fewer than 20 employees represent 75% of fatal falls. The National Safety Stand-Down is a chance to collectively take a break during the workday and focus on fall prevention through safety demonstrations, talks, training and other activities.

The Stand-Down began 10 years ago as a combined effort by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and DPWR — The Centre for Construction Research and Training, through the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Construction Sector Council, working in collaboration with partners. Thousands of companies have participated in the Stand-Down over the years.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas Parker said the Stand-Down is an opportunity for employers to prove their commitment to their workers and provide the leadership, tools and training to prevent falls. “It’s been 10 years for the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and the message is the same but bears repeating again and again — workers should never have to risk their lives to make a living,” Parker said.

NIOSH Director John Howard, MD said the Stand-Downs are an important opportunity to further occupational equity and emphasise worker safety at all times. “Stopping to take time in the workday to recognise existing fall safety hazards and offering demonstrations or trainings can contribute to a positive work culture and a safer working environment for all,” Howard said.

Stand-Downs have occurred in every state in the US and internationally. In 2022, there were almost 3500 Stand-Downs reaching over 455,000 workers. Approximately 54% of attendees reported returning for their third year or more of participating in the Stand-Down. Chris Trahan Cain, executive director of SPWR, encouraged employers of all sizes to participate in the Stand-Down. “Our website has all of the free ideas and resources needed for employers to plan activities and show employees how to prevent falls in any situation,” Cain said.

Preparation for the upcoming Stand-Down is underway; in addition to various resources in English, there is continued work on reaching those disproportionately at risk by offering Spanish-only webinars (particularly relevant to workers in the US), forming new partnerships, promoting further outreach, and developing additional resources in other languages. To conduct a successful Stand-Down, activities in English, Spanish and other languages commonly used by workers can include drills and practices; toolbox talks; lunchtime presentations; webinars and video presentations; equipment inspections; trainings and demonstrations; infographics and signage for job sites; resources from the One-Stop Stand-Down Shop; and a Certificate of Participation.

Company or worker success stories are also helpful, to further engage partnerships and awareness on how to prevent falls on jobsites. To post any event details or attend those open to the public, click here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Robert Ingelhart