OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with hosting a national safety stand-down to prevent falls in construction. This stand-down is scheduled for May 6-10, 2024. The National Safety Stand-down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.
Safety Stand-down Overview
A safety stand-down 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 reinforce 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 risks and other job hazards they see.
Who Can Participate?
Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the stand-down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, subcontractors and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. military, other government participants, unions, employer’s trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations and safety equipment manufacturers.
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 at any time. See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down and highlights from past stand-downs. OSHA also hosts a page for events that are free and open to the public to help employers and employees find events in their areas.
Employer Next Steps
Employers can choose to participate in the National Safety Stand-down. If they do, employers can share feedback about their stand-down and download the certificate of participation.