OSHA is hoping that 25,000 employers and half a million construction workers participate in its National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which starts today and runs through Friday. Reaching that goal means reaching nearly one in ten workers in the industry.

269 preventable deaths in 2012

The event is aimed at raising awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 269 of the 775 construction fatalities recorded in 2012. Those deaths were preventable. Fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2012.

Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking 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. OSHA’s got lots of suggestions and resources to help: click here for details.

Trade associations, federal, state and local governmental agencies, professional societies, institutes, labor groups and independent contractors are expected to participate in the Safety Stand-Down.

ASSE, CPWR are helping

OSHA’s partners in staging the event are the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 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, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

Employers can provide feedback about their Stand-Down and receive a Certificate of Participation signed by the Secretary of Labor, Thomas E. Perez. (The page will remain active through July 15, 2014.)