OSHA 2018 Safety Stand-Down Starts Today
 |
| National Safety Stand-Down starts May 7th. Enlarge Photo |
May 7, 2018 - OSHA’s nationwide week of stand-down activities to raise awareness of construction safety starts today, May 7.
Falls from height continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 370 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2016 came from falls. 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.
A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event in which 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 on reinforcing the importance of preventing falls. Companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use the opportunity to talk with employees about other job hazards they do 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.
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, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employers’ trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.
OSHA is partnering with key groups to help, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.
How to Conduct a Stand-Down
Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or other safety activity, such as inspecting safety equipment, developing rescue plans, or discussing job-specific hazards.
Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime May 7-11, 2018.
OSHA offers ideas at: 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.
Employers will be able to provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation following the Stand-Down.
