May 2024 Safety Stand-down: Preventing Falls in Construction

The annual National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction is scheduled for May 6-10, 2024. This event, led by OSHA and several key groups, is designed to raise awareness of fall hazards and prevent fall injuries and fatalities.

Safety Stand-down Explained

A safety stand-down is a voluntary event that provides an opportunity for employers to pause work and speak directly with employees about safety. The National Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction offers a chance for businesses of all sizes to discuss fall hazards and emphasize the importance of fall prevention. Employers of companies without fall hazards can use this opportunity to talk with employees about the job hazards they may face, protective methods, and the organization’s safety policies and goals. Employees also have the chance to speak with management about job risks during safety stand-downs.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone seeking to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the safety stand-down. In the past, participants included commercial construction companies, residential construction contractors, subcontractors and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. military, other government participants, unions, employer’s trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.

Conducting a Safety Stand-down

There is no set way for employers to conduct a safety stand-down. They generally allow employers and employees to take a break from their usual work duties and engage in toolbox talks or other safety activities, including safety equipment inspections, fall rescue plan development, and discussions of job-specific hazards, protective methods, and safety policies. Additionally, there isn’t a standard amount of time a safety stand-down must take; managers are encouraged to plan a safety stand-down time that best fits their workplace.

Employers do not need to “register” to participate in the national safety stand-down. OSHA has posted suggestions on how to prepare for a safety stand-down and various English and Spanish fall prevention resources are available on OSHA’s resources webpage. Once the safety stand-down has been completed, employers may provide feedback to OSHA and download a certificate of participation.

Employers have a duty to keep their employees safe and protect them from falls. By participating in the National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction, they can demonstrate their commitment to this responsibility and offer valuable information to their workers about fall hazards, fall prevention, and other safety matters.