NIOSH Hosts Annual Stand-Down Events to Protect Workers
Annual seminars are held by NIOSH to inform employers and workers about fall prevention.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Apr 27, 2021
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), its partners, employees and workers across the country on April 26, 2021 and the week of May 3-7 are holding its second annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents and the eighth week-long National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.*
According to a press release, there were more than 1,100 construction deaths in 2019, the highest level since 2011. Fatal falls went all the way up from 36 percent of all construction fatalities to 401 deaths in 2019, a two percent increase from 2018. By participating in either or both of these national stand-downs, employers and employees are given opportunities for safe work practices on the job: PPE, training, unsafe conditions, hazards, policies and much more.
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for around one third of deaths on the job. On May 3, 2021 at 1:00 EDT, Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction officially kicks off. The purpose is to raise awareness and provide information to help fall prevention, mainly addressing: ladders, roofs and scaffolds.
“Workers suffer serious and fatal injuries from falls which has a devastating impact on families and businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health James Frederick. “This important collaboration with the construction industry encourages employers to learn how to better control fall-related hazards and improve their safety and health programs.”
To make sure the Stand-Downs are successful, they will be held virtually or, if in person, social distanced.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.