Region 2 VPP Sites:
Just a reminder about next week’s National Safety Stand-Down. More information below.
OSHA, NIOSH and NORA (campaign partners) will host the fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This year’s Stand-Down will take place during the week of May 8-12, 2017. We are asking employers to conduct an event sometime during this week to have an open discussion with workers about falls and how to prevent them.
Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the May 8-12, 2017.
We have developed resources you can use for your stand-down. You can find them on the Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down webpage http://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown and on the campaign webpage http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/index.html. And if you would like to receive formal recognition for participating in the event, you can complete a small online questionnaire and print a “Certificate of Participation.” While participation in the Stand-Down is entirely voluntary, we hope employers will take advantage of this unique opportunity.
FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION, accounting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities recorded in 2015 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. By helping us raise awareness about the hazards of falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs, you will be part of a concerted effort throughout the nation to reduce preventable deaths and injuries that result from falls. We can make a difference if we work together.
Thank you for your help in this important workplace safety initiative.