Falls from elevations accounted for 320 out of the 1,008 recorded fatalities in the construction industry in 2018. To safeguard workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) invites companies to join the National Safety Stand Down from Sept. 14-18, 2020.
The program, which was originally scheduled for May, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Safety Stand Down aims to create awareness of fall hazards in the construction industry and prevent injuries and fatalities related to falls.
Electrical contractors can participate in the voluntary event by setting aside time during the designated week in September to talk to their employees about fall hazards and prevention. In the past, residential and commercial contractors, local unions, the U.S. military, and safety equipment manufacturers participated in the program.
Here are some ways your company can get involved in this year’s event:
- Focus your Toolbox Talk on fall protection, hazards and prevention.
- Conduct safety equipment inspections.
- Develop a rescue plan.
- Discuss job-specific hazards.
To plan a successful event, participants are encouraged to start planning early, reviewing their fall protection program and involving other subcontractors, architects, engineers or the owner in the stand down. For tips on how you can execute an event this year, visit the resource page.
Those electrical contractors planning to host an event open to the public should contact their local Regional Stand Down coordinator and submit the event on the OSHA calendar. Contractors can also share their story on social media with the hashtag #StandDown4Safety. Participants can download a certificate of participation after the event.
By pulling together, the construction industry can help to increase awareness of fall hazards and protect workers at height in the field. To learn more, visit the website or view the video clip below about five ways to prevent workplace falls.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
