The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) next Safety Stand-Down will occur from May 2-6, 2023. This event seeks to inform the construction industry about the dangers of falls in the workplace and what measures can be taken to protect everyone on the job site.
A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention." Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face. These engagements can serve as an opportuinity to promote personal protective methods and tools, and to also clarify the company's safety policies and goals.
Deaths resulting from falls continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020.
OSHA has launched a website to inform companies about how to plan a stand-down and provide business owners and employees with important tools and information about the upcoming event.
