Plan Now for National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction
Take time out of the work day to discuss fall prevention and hazards during this week, which runs from May 1 to 5, 2023.
- By Alex Saurman
- Apr 27, 2023
Injuries and deaths from falls—and falls themselves—are preventable.
According to OSHA, in the construction industry, 38 percent of all deaths in 2021 were from falls from elevation. That’s a total of 378 workers who lost their lives from falls that year.
From May 1 to 5, 2023, National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will focus on preventing falls in the workplace through education. According to OSHA, employers are encouraged to halt work to discuss preventing falls and fall hazards with their employees. But this week extends beyond the construction industry; any employer can spend time talking about hazards with their employees.
“We encourage employers of all sizes to participate in the Stand-Down,” said Chris Trahan Cain, executive director of CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training in a press release. “Our website has all of the free ideas and resources needed for employers to plan activities and show employees how to prevent falls in any situation.”
In addition to CPWR’s resources—which include webinars, infographics, toolbox talks and more—OSHA provides videos, posters links to more information about fall prevention and a list of events across the country, some in-person and some online.
“It’s been 10 years for the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and the message is the same but bears repeating again and again—workers should never have to risk their lives to make a living,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas Parker in the press release.
For more information on National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, visit The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.