What is a Fall Protection Stand-Down?
The construction industry uses this annual event to discuss and review safety protocols regarding worksite falls. A voluntary observance, the National Safety Stand-Down stresses the importance of fall prevention and protection for construction workers. Fatal falls accounted for 389 of the 1,034 construction fatalities recorded in 2024, according to BLS data provided by OSHA. All of the fall fatalities were deemed preventable.
Who Should Participate in the Stand-Down?
The stand-down is voluntary and open to any employer interested in participating, especially those in the construction sector that have work-related fall exposures. Among those who participate are general contractors, subcontractors, various trades and other entities. Employers outside the construction realm also participate.
What Constitutes a Stand-Down?
A stand-down can be executed in a variety of ways. An employer may set aside time during the workday to have a discussion about potential hazards workers face, as well as review the company’s policies and procedures on fall prevention and other hazards. Other ideas include toolbox talks or safety trainings. This stand-down may spark additional engagement for further safety discussions, questions, concerns and feedback from employees. Once the stand-down meeting concludes, employers may print a certificate of completion from the OSHA website.
Resources
OSHA partners with several groups in support of this observance, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA-approved state plans, state consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers. Many of these organizations will have resources available to assist with stand-down meetings, such as videos, documents and other materials.
