OSHA Defense

Ground Rules for National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down featured image

Ground Rules for National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down

What is the most cited safety violation in the United States? If you guessed the lack of proper fall protection, then you guessed correct. In an effort to raise fall hazard awareness across the nation and stop fall fatalities, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently kicked off its 4th Annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down. Beginning May 8, 2017, OSHA partnered with construction industry owners to raise awareness about fall-related incidents. Here is a brief overview from our OSHA defense attorneys on National Prevention Safety Stand-Down and how to participate moving forward.

Participant Guidelines

Safety Stand-Down is for employers and industry professionals to have face-to-face communication with all employees about safety. If you prevent falls in the workplace or wear fall protection gear, you can participate in the Stand-Down. Participants include commercial and residential construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, independent contractors, general industry, the U.S. Military, unions, etc. Maintain these five guidelines to have a productive and engaging time with participants.

  1. Focus on fall hazards and more importantly, fall prevention. Initiate conversations on protective methods and company policies.
  2. Give employees an opportunity to discuss on-site hazards with management.
  3. Conduct a Safety Stand-Down with your team by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or a creative safety activity that discusses equipment inspections, rescue plans, and job hazards.
  4. Encourage your management team to plan a stand-down that works for their worksite. The length of your stand-down is completely up to the employer.
  5. Did your employees participate? Download a Certificate of Participation for all participants. Feel free to snap a picture or share your Stand-Down story with the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety.

Over the years, thousands of companies participate in Safety Stand-Downs pushing its efforts across all 50 states and internationally! If you missed it this year, mark your calendars to participate in National Fall Prevention Stand-Down 2018!

To schedule an appointment with an OSHA defense attorney, please call us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.