Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 320 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down is an effort to raise fall hazard awareness across the country and prevent fall fatalities and injuries.
What is a Safety Stand-Down?
A 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." Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.
Who can participate?
Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer's trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.
Resources to help you get ready
OSHA's Falls Prevention Campaign Page (en español)
- Campaign Fact Sheet: English (PDF) Spanish (PDF), Polish (PDF) and Russian (PDF)
- Campaign Poster: English (PDF). Spanish (PDF)
- Fall Prevention Wallet Card English (PDF). Spanish (PDF). Portuguese (PDF)
Fall Prevention Training Guide
Webpage contains fall prevention materials in English and Spanish.
- Fall Protection in Construction (PDF).
- Protecting Roofing Workers (PDF).
Ladder Safety Guidance
- Falling Off Ladders Can Kill: Use Them Safely - Booklet (PDF). EPUB and MOBI
- Safe Use of Extension Ladders - Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Safe Use of Job-made Wooden Ladders - Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Safe Use of Stepladders - Fact Sheet (PDF)
- NIOSH Ladder safety phone app (English and Spanish)
Scaffolding
- Ladder Jack Scaffolds Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Narrow Frame Scaffolds Fact Sheet (HTML PDF)
- Tube and Coupler Scaffolds - Erection and Use Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Tube and Coupler Scaffolds - Planning and Design Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Scaffolding Booklet (HTML PDF)
- OSHA Scaffold eTool
Additional Educational Materials
- Construction Industry
- Fall Protection in Residential Construction
- OSHA Alliance Program Toolbox talks and Training products
Stand-Down Partner Materials
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CPWR: Stop Construction Falls: contains educational and training tools including the fatality map.
- One Stop Stand-Down Shop - Materials you need to conduct a stand-down. Place your order for free Hardhat stickers and Hazard Alert cards.
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NIOSH: National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction
- Infographics by NIOSH, CPWR, and NORA
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National Safety Council
- OSHA-NSC Alliance Fall Protection Case Study (PDF)
- Ladder Safety
- Safety+Health Articles on Fall Prevention
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NSC Construction & Utilities Division
- Safety at Heights Resources: Falls from height is the second-leading unintentional fatal workplace event. The resources includes Fall Protection When Performing Aerial Work on Wood Poles; Safety Around Drilled Holes - Pier or Direct Embed Foundations; Guide to Selecting Fall Protection Systems for Bridge Work.
- ASSP: American Society of Safety Professionals
Outreach Training Materials
- Susan Harwood Training Grant materials for Fall Prevention
- Roadway Work Zone Safety - ARTBA
Fall Safety Videos
- OSHA Prevention Videos (v-Tools): Construction Hazards
- California Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE)
- The Worker' Compensation Board of British Columbia, Canada (WorkSafeBC)
