Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.
The 2023 Safety Stand-Down, which will be from May 1-5, 2023, is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.
How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down
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. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime.
See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful "Stand-Down" and Highlights from the Past Stand-Downs. OSHA also hosts an Events page with events that are free and open to the public to help employers and employees find events in your area.
If you plan to host a free event that is open to the public, you may contact your Regional Stand-Down Coordinator.
To share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down or Fall Prevention Programs, email [email protected]. Also share your Stand-Down story on social media, with the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety.
For more information on how to prevent workplace falls, view the video clip below.
