National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction takes place May 5-9

Slips, trips, and falls were the leading cause of death in the construction industry in 2023, accounting for 421 fatalities, nearly 40 percent of all fatalities in the industry. OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction event, scheduled for May 5-9, raises awareness of fall hazards to help prevent fall injuries and fatalities.

A safety stand-down is a voluntary event that encourages employers to talk to employees about safety and participate in activities such as:

• Toolbox talks,
• Equipment demonstrations,
• Safety inspections, and
• Training sessions.

This nationwide event is part of the National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction organized by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Safety Council (NSC), and the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). Stand-down resources, including fact sheets, publications, and videos about construction risks and fall protection, can be found at osha.gov.