Washington — The 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is a “vital opportunity” for “meaningful conversation about training, hazard recognition and fall prevention,” an OSHA official said during a May 4 webinar.
Brian Rizzo, acting director of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, was one of several leaders who helped kick off the stand-down, which runs through May 8.
OSHA, NIOSH, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training developed the initiative. The National Safety Council is among its supporters.
During the webinar, panelists stressed that whether employers conduct a toolbox talk, inspect fall protection equipment, develop a written fall protection plan or take part in another activity, the objective is to build awareness and dialogue.
“It’s about worker and employee engagement and creating those open lines of communication,” Rizzo said, “so that we’re all saying and all agreeing that we can stop these falls from happening and we need that kind of joint conversation on how to do it the best way.”
The panel outlined a variety of free resources and guidance on organizing a stand-down event, available at stopconstructionfalls.com.
Falls from height remain a leading cause of death in construction. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the industry accounted for 47.8% of all fatal slips, trips and falls in 2023.
Per additional BLS data, 70.3% of fatal falls in construction from 2011 to 2022 occurred among organizations with 10 or fewer workers.
Acknowledging what she called a “disproportionate risk” among smaller employers, Chris Cain, executive director of CPWR, said it’s especially important to reach such establishments. The objective of the stand-down extends year-round as part of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction, she added.
“There’s always new employers churning into our industry, and that’s where the smalls are,” Cain said. “I mean, that’s my theory, is that it’s not the same smalls year after year who have these really bad experiences. It’s new employers coming in who are resource-poor.
“And our aim with this campaign, one of our main aims, is to give them the information, knowledge and tools to address falls.”
NSC reiterated that a large number of resources are available to employers.
“As construction activity increases each spring, the National Safety Stand-Down is a powerful reminder that no job should cost someone their life or livelihood,” NSC CEO Lorraine M. Martin said in a press release. “Taking time to discuss fall hazards, inspect equipment and reinforce safe work practices can prevent devastating injuries and save lives.
“At NSC, we are committed to providing employers with practical tools and resources, so every worker returns home safely at the end of every shift.”
In a separate release, the Steel Erectors Association of America outlined a campaign aimed at raising awareness of controlled decking zones during the stand-down, which coincides with Construction Safety Week.
SEAA says that these zones are restricted, carry specific rules for trained workers and should be monitored by a competent person.
“Controlled decking zones are one of the most misunderstood areas of steel erection, and that confusion can lead to serious risk,” Jason Farris, chair of SEAA’s Safety and Education Committee, said in the release. “This campaign is about getting back to the basics: knowing where the zone is, who belongs in it and what work is actually permitted so crews can make safer decisions at height.”
OSHA offers a certificate of participation for the stand-down. The agency also maintains a list of free events nationwide.
