National Safety Stand-Down Planned for May 2-6
OSHA and other federal agencies will participate in the weeklong initiative.
OSHA has announced that May 2-6, 2016, has been pegged for the third annual National Safety Stand-Down. The event is part of an effort to remind and educate employers and workers in the construction industry of the serious dangers of falls.
NIOSH, ASSE, the National Safety Council, The Center for Construction Research and Training, and other partners are joining OSHA to lead the effort to encourage employers to pause during their workday for discussions, demonstrations, and training.
"Falls still kill far too many construction workers," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. "While we regularly work with employers, industry groups, and worker organizations on preventing falls and saving lives, the National Safety Stand-Down encourages all employers -- from small businesses to large companies operating at many job sites -- to be part of our effort to ensure every worker makes it to the end of their shift safely."
During the past two years, more than four million workers have participated in these annual National Safety Stand-Downs. A new website with information on how to successfully conduct a stand-down has been developed.
"In many workplaces, falls are a real and persistent hazard. Given the nature of the work, the construction industry sees the highest frequency of fall-related deaths and serious, sometimes debilitating injuries," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. "Since the effort began in 2014, the National Safety Stand-Down serves as an important opportunity for both employers and workers to stop and take time in the workday to identify existing fall hazards, and then offer demonstrations and training to emphasize how to stay safe on the job."