The National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in Construction
Fall Prevention Stand-Down Campaign: May 1 – May 5, 2023
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country, in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. To support employers and employees in North Carolina, the NCDOL OSH Division will be hosting a series of virtual and in-person training events throughout the week. Topics include Fall Protection (English and Spanish), Scaffolds, Steel Erection, and Stairways and Ladders.
What is a Safety Stand-Down?
A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for 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 reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention". Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, 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. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.
Who Can Participate?
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, employer's trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.
NCDOL Resources
Example Safety and Health Programs