7 Steps to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down

National Safety Stand Down

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop 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".

7 Steps to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Think about asking your subcontractors, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.
2. Consider reviewing your fall prevention program. This will help provide a more effective stand-down.
   1. What types of falls could happen:
      1. Falls from ladders
      2. Falls from a roof
      3. Falls from a scaffold
      4. Falls down stairs
      5. Falls from a structural steel
      6. Falls through a floor or roof opening
      7. Falls through a fragile roof surface
   2. What needs improvement?
      1. Is your program meeting its goals?
      2. Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses?
      3. Are employees aware of the company's fall protection procedures?
   3. What training have you provided to your employees?
      1. Does it need revision?
   4. What equipment have you provided to your employees?
      1. Is better equipment available?
3. Develop presentations or activities that will meet your needs. Decide what information will be best for your workplace and employees. The meeting should provide information to employees about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (a worksite walk around, equipment checks, etc.) can increase retention.
4. Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period, or some other time.
5. Promote the stand-down. Try to make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
6. Hold your stand-down. Try to make it positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
7. Follow up. If you learned something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes

For more information: National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)