OSHA Hosts Annual Fall Prevention Stand-Down

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is preparing to host its fourth annual Fall Prevention Stand-Down.

When you think of common safety hazards in the workplace, slip and falls probably isn't at the top of your list. However, OSHA says that nearly 15% of all accidental deaths are attributing to slip and falls, either from the same level or elevated level. Slip and falls also account for 12 to 15% of all worker's compensation expenses. In an effort to curb these numbers and protect workers from injury, OSHA is planning a Fall Prevention Stand-Down.

So, what is Fall Prevention Stand-Down? Scheduled for May 12-17, it's a voluntary event in which employers are encouraged to discuss the hazards of slip and fall accidents in the workplace. Again, there's no requirement for employers to participate. Given the significant number of slip and fall injuries that occur each year in the workplace, however, it's something that employers should at least consider.

To help promote its Fall Prevention Stand-Down event, OSHA is partnering with dozens of companies and organizations throughout the country, including the the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), and even the United States Air Force.

"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. It's an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with employees about hazards, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall hazards they see ," explained OSHA when describing its Fall Prevention Stand-Down.

If you're interested in hosting a Fall Prevention Stand-Down in your workplace, check out OSHA's suggestions page here. Among the suggestions here include training personnel; reviewing your fall protection standards and practices; encourage employees to attend and participate; and choose a time, date and location for your stand down event.

To recap, OSHA is preparing to host its fourth annual Fall Prevention Stand-Down, which will occur on May 12-15. This even encourages employers to host their own event in which they discuss the dangers of slip and fall accidents in the workplace. While voluntary, employers should host a Fall Prevention Stand-Down to help protect workers from slip and fall-related injury.