If you are in the construction industry, there is still time for you to participate in OSHA’s National Fall Prevention Stand-Down, which runs today through May 15th.

The Stand-Down is designed to raise awareness about preventing fall hazards in construction. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 291 of the 828 construction fatalities recorded in 2013. 

Last year's Stand-Down involved more than one million workers. This year, OSHA is hoping to reach more than three million workers at 20,000 Stand-Downs across the country, which would mean reaching nearly four out of 10 construction workers in the country.

Who is the Stand-Down for?

Anyone in the industry, from large commercial construction companies to independent contractors. Whether you’re in residential construction, highway construction, the U.S. military, a union or trade association, you can benefit from this event.

How do I conduct a Safety Stand-Down?

You simply take a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. The length of the break depends on you. The goal is to save lives and prevent injuries by focusing on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention.

Need some ideas? OSHA has Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful "Stand-Down" and Highlights from the 2014 Stand-Down.

You can also find an event in your area that’s already planned at OSHA’s Events page. They’re free and open to the public.

Who’s behind this?

In addition to OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council (NSC), the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), and the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers are all involved with this National Safety-Stand Down.

Click here for more information.