Washington — The tenth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is quick approaching, and employers nationwide are being inspired to host an occasion.
Set to happen May 1-5, the stand-down was created by NIOSH, OSHA, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. It’s meant to assist stop fall-related deaths and accidents by elevating consciousness of the hazards. Falls from elevation proceed to be a number one reason for demise in the business, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 development fatalities recorded in 2020, in accordance to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In a press launch, OSHA administrator Doug Parker says that though the occasion’s message has remained related over the previous decade, it “bears repeating again and again.”
He continues: “Workers should never have to risk their lives to make a living. 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.”
NIOSH encourages office participation in the stand-down via toolbox talks and security actions reminiscent of growing drills, practices and rescue plans; conducting tools inspections; and discussing job-specific hazards.
CPWR is providing a number of sources for employers as a part of its One Stop Stand-Down Shop, together with a public service announcement that may be shared, concepts for stand-down occasions to be hosted, and hazard alert playing cards that may be handed out to employees.
On its web site, OSHA options highlights of previous occasions from round the nation. Last 12 months, about 3,500 stand-downs carried out worldwide reached greater than 455,000 employees. Fifty-four % of attendees indicated they’d participated in not less than three occasions throughout their careers.
“The stand-downs are an important opportunity to further occupational health equity and emphasize worker safety at all times,” NIOSH Director John Howard stated in the launch. “Stopping to take time in the workday to recognize existing fall safety hazards and offering demonstrations or trainings can contribute to a positive work culture and a safer working environment for all.”
Employers can share their stand-down tales by emailing [email protected] or utilizing the hashtag #StandDown4Safety on social media.
