Resources for Construction Safety Week

The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction annual event is being held this week in conjunction with Construction Safety Week.

Employers across the nation are being urged to dedicate time this week to engage their employees in crucial conversations about fall hazards and preventative measures. The nationwide “Safety Stand-Down,” organized annually, encourages a pause in routine work to allow for direct dialogue and training focused on mitigating risks associated with falls.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) spearheads the initiative and collaborates with a number of key safety organizations. Partners in this year’s stand-down include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Safety Council and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, highlighting a unified effort to promote workplace safety and prevent injuries.

Recommended stand-down activities include:

• Toolbox talks on ladder, scaffold and roof safety
• Safety equipment demonstrations
• Performing safety inspections
• Hazard recognition walks
• Training sessions
• Sharing safety videos and on-the-job stories

In 2023, slips, trips, and falls tragically accounted for the highest number of fatalities in the industry, claiming the lives of 421 of the 1,075 workers who died – representing nearly 40% of all construction-related deaths.

Injury Facts, a statistical resource compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), also reported that a total of 725 workers across all industries succumbed to fatal falls to a lower level in the same year.

“The national safety stand-down serves as a critical reminder that falls are preventable, and the safety of every worker must be paramount,” stated Lorraine M. Martin, President and CEO of the NSC. “We strongly encourage all employers, regardless of their size or the industry they operate in, to participate in this vital event and cultivate a workplace culture where safety is deeply ingrained.”