Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and lack of proper fall protection is OSHA’s most frequently cited violation. To bring attention to this hazard, the agency is holding its second Fall Safety Stand-Down from May 4 to 15, 2015.
“With the economy on the rebound and housing starts on the rise, now is the time to for all of us to renew our commitment to sending workers home safe every night,” says Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. “Last year’s Stand-Down showed us what employers and workers sharing that commitment can accomplish. Responsible employers understand that safety is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”
As part of the event employers and workers will pause during their workday for topic discussion, demonstrations and training on how to use safety harnesses, guard rails and other means to protect workers from falls.
The event is part of OSHA’s fall prevention campaign, launched 3 years ago with NIOSH, NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda and the Center for Construction Research and Training. Additional partners include ASSE, National Safety Council, National Construction Safety Executives, the U.S. Air Force, OSHA-approved state plans, state consultation programs and OSHA Training Institute Education Centers.
Additional resources are available at the National Safety Stand-Down 2015 website.