Scaffolding, Roofs, Ladders, and More: 6th Annual Stand-Down Almost Here
CPWR has posted many resources on its Stand-Down website, including a five-day plan for getting workers to focus on falls during the week. Among the suggestions the organization makes are to use CPWR-NIOSH infographics, CPRW fatality maps, and NIOSH and state Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation reports to focus workers' attention on identifying fall hazards.
The 6th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction is taking place May 6-10, with hundreds of employers and thousand of workers expected to take part in stand-down events across the country. The event's main sponsor is OSHA, which is partnering with CPWR, NIOSH, state plans, the American Society of Safety Professionals, the National Safety Council, and the OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Many companies and organizations such as the National Association of Tower Erectors are lending their support.
The International Safety Equipment Association is kicking off a new "Safety at Heights" campaign next week, in conjunction with Construction Safety Week and the National Safety Stand-Down. ISEA's effort provides employers and workers educational information at SafetyAtHeights.org. The campaign will continue throughout the year, in partnership with NATE and The Associated General Contractors of America.
Jim Cuddihee, vice president of operations at Manhattan Construction Company, said during an OH&S event on April 30 that Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt is scheduled to visit the site in Arlington, Texas, where Manhattan is the lead contractor for the project to build the Texas Rangers' new Globe Life Field baseball stadium, as part of the week's Stand-Down activities. Manhattan and OSHA Region VI, which is based in Dallas, signed a partnership agreement for the duration of the project, which is one of the biggest construction projects at the moment in North Texas.
CPWR has posted many resources on its Stand-Down website, including a five-day plan for getting workers to focus on falls during the week. Among the suggestions the organization makes are to use CPWR-NIOSH infographics, CPRW fatality maps, and NIOSH and state Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation reports to focus workers' attention on identifying fall hazards.
The plan recommends completing a written fall protection plan; conducting fall protection demonstrations; reviewing how to use ladders and aerial lifts safely; conducting toolbox talks on aerial lifts, preventing falls from roofs and scaffolding; and preventing falls through holes and openings.
On the Stand-Down's final day, CPWR recommends handing out hard hat stickers and distributing Hazard Alert cards. After the Stand-Down is over, participating organizations can obtain a Certificate of Participation from OSHA.