While filing reports in his 6th floor downtown office, Jeff Rucker, Dallas regional program manager for OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program, noticed several construction workers at a building across the street taking down a large holiday ornament display without proper fall protection.

Rucker ran across the street to intervene, gathered the construction site manager and crew, and reviewed OSHA requirements for man lifts, fall prevention, personal protective equipment and other life-saving measures. In one hour, the construction site manager was back on site with fall protection, hard hats and reflective vests, and Rucker returned to make sure harnesses were positioned correctly on the workers and lanyards were secured.

"By the end of the day the ornaments were taken down and everyone left the job safely," according to OSHA.

Through its On-Site Consultation Program, the agency offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify and correct hazards and improve their injury and illness prevention programs. To request a free consultation, call 800-321-OSHA (6742) to find an office in your area or visit OSHA’s On-Site Consultation page.