Preventing falls is a top priority for any construction worksite. Frequently claiming the top spot on OSHA’s top 10 safety violations list, fall accidents and fatalities are nevertheless preventable through a mix of training, safeguards and adherence to best safety practices.

To raise awareness about these common incidents, OSHA is promoting a National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, “a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety.” During the week of May 7-11, 2018, it suggests that:

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.

OSHA provides a number of resources to help EHS professionals offer informative stand-downs at their organizations, including an FAQ and suggestions on how to prepare your stand-down, including:

• Think about asking your subcontractors, owner, architects, engineers, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.
• Consider reviewing your fall prevention program. This will help provide a more effective stand-down.
• Follow up afterwards. If you learned something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

HSI companies Summit and CLMI offer online fall prevention courses that are easy to learn and administrate through our Encompass EHS platform:

Fall Protection - Construction
Complies with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 and 1910.66

This course addresses the major factors in fall incidents in construction. Topics include:

• Correct selection, use and care of fall protection equipment
• Understanding when fall arrest equipment is necessary
• Recognizing and preventing fall hazards

Slips, Trips & Falls

This course teaches important safety tips for eliminating fall hazards in the work environment, as well as information about fall protection equipment. It features professional stunt people demonstrating falls in a variety of environments.

Construction Fall Protection

Some accidents don’t allow you the time to learn from your mistake. Falling from a dangerous height is one accident that rarely offers you a second chance. This program teaches your employees the importance of using the correct fall protection. The informative video provides a detailed illustration of the various types of fall protection and how to properly use them to avoid a deadly fall.

Take the Steps: Stairway and Ladder Safety for the Construction Industry

This video covers safe construction of temporary stairways and job made ladders for construction sites. It also covers safe use of ladders on the job site.

For more information on these or any of our workplace safety courses, give us a call at 800-447-3177 today or explore our website at www.hsi.com. To schedule a demo of the Encompass EHS platform, click the button below.