So, apparently the US does have a National Safety Stand-Down. How cool!
Following the upcoming National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, OSHA is urging businesses to take a break and spread awareness of fall dangers and the value of fall protection.
The event is scheduled for May 6–10 this year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 395 of the approximately 1,100 construction-related deaths in 2022 were caused by falls from elevation.
Activities like toolbox talks, safety equipment inspections, rescue plan development, or in-depth conversations on hazardous tasks are available for participation by both employers and employees.
Companies whose employees are not exposed to fall hazards, on the other hand, “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,” according to OSHA. “It can also be a chance for staff members to discuss falls and other workplace hazards with management.”
Highlights from previous events and advice on how to get ready for a successful stand-down are provided by OSHA resources. To assist companies and employees in finding activities in their area, a webpage provides a list of free and public events.
Following the stand-down, employers can get a certification of participation and use the hashtag #StandDown4Safety to highlight their activities on social media.
In addition to holding a webinar in March 2023 on “Preventing Falls Through Improved Design,” OSHA launched a National Emphasis Program on falls in May of last year.