The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is highlighting National Safety Stand Down week, which began Sept. 14, and runs through Friday, Sept. 18.
According to OSHA, a safety stand down is a voluntary event for employers and employees to talk about safety, and any workplace can hold a stand down by taking a break from work to focus on fall hazards to emphasize the importance of fall prevention.
Of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018, 320 of those fatalities were due to falls from elevation, according to OSHA. Furthermore, OSHA says those fatalities were preventable, and, through National Safety Stand Down week, aims to raise fall hazard awareness in effort to stop fall fatalities or injuries.
OSHA is partnering a range of groups to promote this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Center for Construction Research and Training, the National Safety Council, OSHA Training Institute (OTI) education centers and more.
Companies participating in National Safety Stand Down week are encouraged to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity, such as discussing specific job hazards, conducting safety equipment inspections and developing rescue plans.
Employers are able to provide feedback to OSHA about their stand down, and can download a certificate of participation afterwards.