​

What is the National Safety Stand-Down?

The Stand-Down was originally conceived by OSHA in 2014 as part of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction to raise awareness surrounding the severity of fall hazards in construction and the importance of preventing them. This year’s Stand-Down will take place May 1-5, 2023. In a construction setting, the term “safety stand-down” is used to describe a wide variety of activities where normal work is paused and the entire site focuses on a particular safety issue. While some employers may use stand-downs to call attention to specific hazards present on their site as an intervention, the Campaign has adopted the use of the stand-down to draw attention to fall hazards in a nation-wide week-long event.  It’s an opportunity for employers to pause work and have a conversation with workers about fall hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations.  This should also be an opportunity for workers to talk to management about fall hazards they see.

Who is it for?

Participation began with, but is not limited to, the construction industry, and no business is too large or small to participate.  In previous years, we’ve had participants in residential construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, mining, general industry, and more.  Learn more about past participants through our evaluation efforts and success stories.

Why should I join in?

Falls are a leading cause of death for workers in the construction industry year after year. Fatal falls to a lower level climbed to 401 in 2019, accounting for more than one in three (36.4%) construction deaths, a 25% increase compared to 2018. But falls are also preventable! Hazard elimination, proper training, and use of fall protection can change these numbers. For more background data on fall hazards, check out the CPWR-NIOSH infographics.

When can I participate?

The 2023 Stand-Down was May 1-5, but you can hold your own stand-down anytime and participation is encouraged year-round!  All of our Stand-Down resources are available on this site (check out our one-stop-shop), and the document 10 Ways to Keep Your Fall Prevention Program Alive All Year Long has ideas for those who want refresher activities to reinforce the message.

Where?

Over the last few years, thousands of companies held their own stand-downs, reaching millions of workers across all 50 states and internationally!

How?

Our One-Stop Stand-Down Shop includes everything you need to hold a Stand-Down – Toolbox Talks, videos, worker handouts, jobsite posters, and more.