Falls from elevated heights are a commonplace risk in construction, and all too often at fault for what could be a preventable fatality. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, falls from such heights were responsible for 350 of the 937 recorded deaths in construction in 2015. The ever-present danger related to falls is one subject safety agencies take extra steps to address. To effectively raise awareness and educate workers and employers on best practices, the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, will be held for the fourth year from May 8-12, 2017.
The stand-down week, during which events across the nation are held, is an important time for construction businesses and workers to participate in. The knowledge and experience gained during it might be put to use if a fall occurs.
What Exactly is a Stand-Down?
A stand-down is any amount of time taken to effectively “stand down” from work and participate in safety learning. The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is completely voluntary, but participating work sites may take part in safety lessons, demonstrations of proper equipment use, hands-on workshops, open conversations between employees and management, brushing up on OSHA regulations or any number of productive activities geared toward enhancing the safety of the work site when it comes to falls.
According to OSHA, all kinds of employers involved in construction have participated before including those in residential, commercial, general industry and military. Contractors as well as government advocates, employer trade associations, employee interest bodies and safety equipment manufacturers are all welcome to share knowledge to help save lives.
What can Employers do?
OSHA provides a toolkit for employers to use when conducting safety events on their own. Inspecting the work environment and equipment, planning for emergencies and communicating safety goals are all part of this, and OSHA recommends to successfully hold a stand-down, employers should:
- Promote the stand-down ahead of time.
- Start early and communicate to workers the expectations.
- Review all currently in-place fall prevention strategies.
- Conduct presentations or activities that will engage workers.
- Follow up with all participants.
What’s the End Result?
At the end of the national stand-down, employers can download a certificate of participation to hand out at their own sites. By certifying and reaching more workers, OSHA and all other stakeholders hope to lessen the rate of incident and severity of falls.
Services and solutions:
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Read more:
6 Ways to Enhance Your Safety Training
The Importance of Fall Protection at Work
OSHA’s New Rule: How Your Workplace is Affected
Talk About Safety: There is Never a Bad Time
Inspecting Work Equipment: A Helpful Guide
Head Protection Standards: It’s Always a Good Time for a Refresher on Hard Hats
How to Create a Worker Safety Training Program
Why and How to Get Involved in Safety Standards
How Workers can Improve Their Situational Awareness
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