Stand Down This Week to Prevent Falls

This week, May 2-5, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) promotes its National Stand Down to Prevent Falls campaign. Although most commonly associated with the construction industry, falls are a concern for any industry in which employees work on ladders or aerial lifts, including maintenance.

The annual safety stand-down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about fall prevention. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by giving its employees a break during the workday to focus on job hazards, best practices, and the company’s safety policies and goals. The stand down can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about any job hazards they see.

OSHA is partnering with several key groups in this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the National Safety Council (NSC), and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

Consider setting aside time this week for a safety stand-down. OSHA offers numerous resources such as campaign fact sheets, ladder safety guides, and toolbox talks on fall safety.

Learn about online and in-person events promoting fall prevention throughout the week.

CMM provides guidance on fall prevention such as tips on working safely from aerial lifts.