OSHA celebrates the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction the week of May 6th – 10th. A Safety Stand Down is a voluntary event that encourages employers to talk with employees about the importance of fall prevention and the many fall hazards present within the workplace.
Unfortunately, falls are among the most prevalent injuries and fatalities within the workplace, especially in construction. Fall protection is frequently cited as the number one OSHA violation, and was again for the 2018 year. Also called one of the “fatal four” in the construction industry, fall protection is responsible for 366 of the 971 construction fatalities recorded in 2017 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Sadly, these deaths were preventable.
This month, OSHA is partnering with several groups, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to help encourage and spread awareness about fall protection.
Since 2012, OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) – Construction Sector on the Fall Prevention Campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about common fall hazards in construction, and how falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented.
Compliance Management International is well versed in fall protection, especially in the construction industry. Call to learn more about fall protection plans and how to help prevent unnecessary deaths at your company.