NSC Calls on Employers to Join 2025 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls
Employers nationwide are encouraged to pause work during the week of May 5–9 to raise awareness and prevent deadly falls in construction.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- May 05, 2025
The National Safety Council (NSC) is urging employers across the country to participate in the 2025 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, taking place May 5–9. The annual event aims to raise awareness of fall hazards—the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry—and promote preventative measures to protect workers.
Falls to a lower level remain the top cause of death in construction, responsible for more than one-third of all industry fatalities. In 2023 alone, 725 workers lost their lives due to falls, and over 129,000 suffered injuries in 2021 and 2022 combined.
Organized in partnership with OSHA, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), and other industry stakeholders, the Stand-Down is a voluntary weeklong event encouraging employers to pause work and engage employees in discussions and training focused on fall prevention.
Recommended activities include:
- Toolbox talks on ladder, scaffold, and roof safety
- Safety equipment demonstrations
- Fall protection training sessions
- Jobsite safety inspections and hazard recognition walks
- Sharing real-world safety stories and videos
“The National Safety Stand-Down reminds us that every fall is preventable, and every worker deserves to go home safely,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO. “We urge all employers, regardless of size or industry, to join this important event and reinforce a culture where safety is a value held by all.”
Although the campaign is focused on construction, NSC notes that fall hazards also exist in other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
To support Stand-Down efforts, NSC offers a variety of fall prevention resources, including:
- Slips, trips, and falls prevention toolkits
- Online fall protection training
- Ladder safety guides and tip sheets
- Work to Zero educational videos and webinars
- Data tools to aid in safety planning
Employers can register their events and download participation certificates at osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down. Additional materials and guidance are available at nsc.org/standdown and stopconstructionfalls.com.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.