In addition to participating in Construction Safety Week, Mike Hooks took the opportunity to observe National Safety Stand-Down, promoted by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA).
What is Safety Stand-Down?
National Safety Stand-Down is an annual event that encourages employers to focus on preventing falls in construction.
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. (OSHA.gov)
According to the CDC, falls remain the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction, accounting for more than one in three (36.4%) of the total number of fatalities in this industry (401 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2019 were falls to a lower level). (CDC.gov)
Who Can Participate?
OSHA encourages anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down.
Over the years, participants have included a wide range of companies involved in construction ranging from commercial and residential construction companies of all sizes, the U.S. Military, and other government participants.
2022 marks the 7th year of Hooks’ annual participation in this event to promote awareness of the danger of falls in construction.
How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down
If you or your company would like to participate, companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to discuss safety specific measures such as having a toolbox talk, conducting equipment inspections, or taking advantage of the many resources and events provided by OSHA.
Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime.
Resources
On their website, OSHA has provided numerous resources for promoting awareness and continued education regarding fall safety and protection in construction.
