Elevate Workplace Safety During National Safety Stand-Down Week

The construction industry is rife with hazards, and falls remain the leading cause of fatalities. To combat this risk, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sponsors an annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. From May 6-10, 2024, employers nationwide will pause work to discuss fall prevention with employees. Participating in this event provides numerous benefits for construction companies and workers alike.

Overview of the National Safety Stand-Down Initiative

The National Safety Stand-Down offers a chance for construction businesses to focus on safety by holding toolbox talks, trainings, demonstrations, and other activities. Employers are encouraged to take a break from normal operations and have direct conversations with staff about hazards and prevention methods. This event raises awareness about effective fall protection to reduce injuries and fatalities on the jobsite.

The Severity of Falls in Construction

Falls account for over a third of construction worker deaths every year. From ladders to rooftops, falls can occur almost anywhere on a jobsite if proper precautions are not taken. A fall from just 6-10 feet can be fatal. Beyond fatalities, fall-related injuries lead to extended absences and lost productivity. Implementing robust fall prevention measures is crucial for protecting worker wellbeing and company performance.

OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down History and Growth

OSHA held the first National Stand-Down in 2014 to curb the alarming numbers of fall fatalities and injuries. It was intended as a one-time event, but due to its success, OSHA continued the initiative annually. Each year, more companies join the thousands of employers already participating. In 2021, over 1.1 million workers received critical education and training through the National Stand-Down. As its popularity expands, the event further motivates the industry to adopt a preventative safety culture.

How the Construction Stand-Down Works

The National Stand-Down provides an array of resources to foster safer work environments in the building trades. Through educational materials and hands-on exercises, companies equip workers with insights and skills to avoid falls. Resources include videos on ladder safety, scaffolding hazards, and aerial lift best practices. There are also presentations reviewing company policies and posters reinforcing proper use of fall arrest systems. By participating, employers cultivate a culture of safety and demonstrate a commitment to protecting employees.

Steps for Organizing a Successful Stand-Down

Interested companies should take the following steps for executing an impactful stand-down:

• Designate a coordinator early on to organize the event. For multiple sites, have leads for each location's activities.
• Invite subcontractors, architects, and other associates to join the stand-down and unite on safety.
• Review fall risks and assess your prevention program's efficacy. Identify scenarios like roof falls or falls through openings.
• Pinpoint areas needing improvement. Evaluate if goals are met, and note any incidents and employee awareness gaps.
• Develop engaging presentations that provide relevant information, like hazard education, training reviews, and policy overviews. Consider offering snacks to boost participation.
• Determine timing and duration that works for your crews. Some hold multi-hour training sessions while others do brief toolbox talks.
• Access available resources, like posters, videos, and fact sheets, to enhance your stand-down. OSHA provides both English and Spanish materials.

Executing Impactful Stand-Down Exercises

To maximize the stand-down's effectiveness, focus exercises on hazards crews frequently encounter. For roofing contractors, review proper setup and use of roof brackets, guardrails, and personal fall arrest systems. For commercial builders, demonstrate temporary floor hole covers and edge protection like guardrails. Conduct hands-on training for ladder safety and scaffolding. Fostering open dialogue and addressing real-world risks workers face is key.

Long-Term Benefits of Stand-Down Participation

Joining the National Stand-Down offers numerous advantages, including:

• Fostering a strong safety culture and hazard awareness among workers
• Reducing falls and related injuries, decreasing expenses from incidents
• Ensuring OSHA compliance and protecting finances through lower worker's compensation costs
• Demonstrating a commitment to employee protection from falls and other risks
• Improving morale and retention by prioritizing worker wellbeing

Connect with the Experts on Advancing Workplace Safety

Construction employers must make safety a top priority and protect staff from hazards. Joining the National Safety Stand-Down is an excellent way to engage workers on fall risks and prevention strategies. The CBIZ safety toolkit also provides helpful resources to reduce incidents. Contact our team to learn more about improving safety at your construction job sites.