OSHA Prepares for 6th Annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is preparing to host its sixth annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down. The nationwide event will take place on May 6 through May 10, during which OSHA and its partners will educate construction employers and workers alike about the dangers of work-related falls and how to prevent them.

According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Statistics show that in 2017, 386 construction workers in the United States died from falling while on the job. It's a troubling statistic that OSHA is hoping to reverse with its sixth annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down.

What Is the National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down?

You can check out OSHA's official website for more information on National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down. Basically, though, it's a voluntary event in which employers in the construction industry are encouraged to talk to their workers about the dangers of fall-related accidents and how to prevent them.

When speaking about the National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down, OSHA's Loren Sweatt explained that falls are preventable -- but only if employers take the necessary precautions to train their workers about the dangers and hazards of falls.

"Falls can be prevented when employers train and educate workers about these hazards properly and provide appropriate protection," said OSHA's Loren Sweatt. "This should be a priority during the first week of May and must be a priority every day. OSHA has tools readily available for employers and workers to address the prevention of fall hazards."

How Can I Participate in the National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down

If you run a construction business, you can take part in the sixth annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down by conducting your own toolbox talk. Sometime from May 6 through May 10, take a 30- to 60-minute break to talk to your workers about fall-related accidents. During this break, explain common hazards that can cause fall-related accidents while offering workers tips on how to prevent them.

More more tips on how to conduct a toolbox talk during the sixth annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down, visit OSHA's help portal here. While this event it completely voluntary, participating in it can help you create a safer workplace by lowering the risk of fall-related accidents. That alone should be reason enough to participate in this year's National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down.