Workplace Falls are a Problem, This Safety Stand-Down Event is Changing That Posted on May 10, 2017June 23, 2021 by Kyle Schmidt Falls are a dangerous—and common—occurrence in the workplace. According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the No. 1 cause of accidental death for construction workers, and they’re associated with hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. The CDC reported that falls can lead to an annual economic cost of $70 billion, which consists of medical assistance and workers’ compensation spending. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Effective safety training is key to keeping workers safe, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is hosting its fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction the week of May 8. Keep reading: A Closer Look at the National Safety Stand-Down The National Safety Stand-Down is orchestrated in partnership between OSHA, the National Occupational Research Agenda, and American Society of Safety Engineers, and is meant to encourage employers to schedule time to talk safety and fall prevention with their employees. Upon learning how to discuss safety mandates, strategies for fall prevention, safety equipment utilization best practices and other topics, participants earn the Stand-Down completion credentials, which are quickly becoming recognized by industry partners as an official representation of a participant’s dedication to safety. John Howard, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, says the National Safety Stand-Down bolsters safety and work culture, as reported in Safety+Health Magazine. “It is through this combined effort and commitment among many partners, employers and workers that the National Safety Stand-Down has been successful in its reach, and we look forward to the continued investment demonstrated in support of fall prevention,” Howard said. “Having a vested interest in standing down operations and taking a moment to emphasize worker safety combats a preventable public health problem and promotes a positive work culture.” To learn more about the event, and for ideas on how to create one of your own, review OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down guidelines. Fall Prevention Tips As detailed by the CDC, falls are a dangerous threat, particularly for construction workers. If your company is getting involved in the National Safety Stand-Down, be sure to discuss some of the following basic safety tips: Keep cables covered and walkways free of items that may pose a tripping hazard. Clean up all spills immediately after they occur. Keep the lights bright and replace dimming bulbs quickly. Have employees wear proper shoes and protective clothing. Teach ladder safety. For additional tips and information, review guidelines provided by the National Safety Council. 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 How to Create a Worker Safety Training Program How Workers can Improve Their Situational Awareness E-commerce offerings: PPE Head Protection Harnesses Hoists Ladders Fall Protection Call and let us help meet all of your supply needs (866-483-7289). Want to order online? All you need to do is fill out this online form. Key benefits include: Order anytime, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you can connect, you can place an order. Create custom templates, aka “My Lists.” Reduce search time, click, order, done. Track purchase history and view your account information. You can review invoices any time, track purchase history, and print or download records.
