The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold its annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls May 7-11. The event encourages companies and workers to pause during the workday for topical discussions, safety demonstrations, and training in hazard recognition and fall prevention.

OSHA-stand-down-begins-May-7-2018Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella will attend a national kick-off event on May 7 at the newly constructed DC United Audi Field Stadium, where experts will talk about the importance of fall prevention, demonstrate proper fall arrest systems, and encourage workers to participate in training.

The lack of proper fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation. Stand-downs provide employers and workers the opportunity to talk about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals, and expectations.

To guide nationwide and international efforts, the agency’s Stand-Down webpage offers information on conducting a successful event, and educational resources in English and Spanish. Employers are encouraged to provide feedback after their events, and to obtain a personalized certificate of participation.

Organizations supporting and participating in the event include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Center for Construction Research and Training; National Occupational Research Agenda; OSHA-approved State Plans; state consultation programs; American Society of Safety Engineers; National Safety Council; National Construction Safety Executives; U.S. Air Force; and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, among many more.

Ladder Company to Train 25,000

Werner, the world leader in ladders and manufacturer of a complete line of climbing products and fall protection equipment, will lead more than 200 training events in support of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety initiative. The safety events are organized from May 7-11, 2018 and will be conducted nationwide, including high-visibility events where both Werner and OSHA representatives will be participating.

According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), in 2016 the leading cause of work deaths in the construction industry was due to falls from elevation. Out of the 991 total deaths in construction, 384 were accounted for by falls.

“This is Werner’s third year in supporting OSHA to raise awareness regarding the risks associated with working at heights,” said Chris Filardi, vice-president of marketing for Werner. These hands-on trainings will provide thousands of construction professionals with real-life workplace scenarios and continue the discussion of safety at the jobsite.”