For the sixth consecutive year, businesses across the country will participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction campaign during May 6 to 10. This week-long campaign offers an opportunity for companies to raise awareness about preventable safety issues pertinent to new and seasoned workers. Small companies with fewer than 25 employees are also eligible to participate.
Organizations representing a wide range of industries, such as mining, manufacturing, and construction, have participated in the National Safety Stand-Down in the past. Not surprisingly, industrial and construction-related corporations are particularly interested in leveraging the National Safety Stand-Down to reduce annual workplace injury and fatality incidences.
Causes and Types of Work Accidents
A variety of work accidents are reported to organizations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) each year. From being electrocuted to getting crushed between objects, work accidents run the gamut in terms of causes. Falls from heights top the list of types of incidents causing construction employee fatalities and injuries, ranging from short-term damage to permanent disability.
Falls happen for many reasons, such as individuals losing their balance on machinery or scaffolding, falling from ladders, or falling through holes in floors and ceilings. Many falls can be avoided with the implementation of proper safety precautions, knowledge of up-to-date protocols, understanding of a business’s policies and safety objectives, and usage of safety equipment.
Ideas for National Safety Stand-Down
Since the first National Safety Stand-Down, employers have systematically begun to use the annual recognition to achieve more secure working environments. Some of the events that have taken place as part of the National Safety Stand-Down include:
- Toolbox talks and workshops
- General audience trainings
- Inspections
- Drills
- Webinar events
- Demos
- Resources and materials dissemination
Pennsylvania companies interested in participating in the National Safety Stand-Down are invited to attend an all-day event in the neighboring state of Delaware on May 8. Companies that take part in any National Safety Stand-Down event, whether their own or one hosted elsewhere, are eligible to receive certificates of completion by OSHA.
Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Represent Injured Workers
The National Safety Stand-Down opens the door for workers and their employers to find innovative ways to reduce workplace accidents, such as falls. However, injuries and fatalities are still prevalent on dangerous job sites. If you were hurt while working on the job, you have every right to consult a Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. Call us at 412-765-1888 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. Located in Pittsburgh, we represent injured employees from Allegheny County, Washington County, Lawrence County, and throughout western Pennsylvania.