NIOSH Previews 2022 Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

In an update published this week, NIOSH is encouraging employers to participate in the 2022 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which will take place May 2–6. The annual safety stand-down is intended to raise awareness of fall hazards and to encourage conversations about methods to prevent fall fatalities and injuries as well as companies’ safety policies and goals. According to NIOSH, fatalities caused by falls from elevation are the most common cause of death for construction workers: in 2020, more than 350 fall deaths on construction sites accounted for 34 percent of all fatalities in construction. The agency partners with OSHA, the National Occupational Research Agenda Construction Sector Council, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training to put on the stand-down.

Workplaces that participated in past years’ safety stand-downs include commercial construction companies, residential construction contractors, subcontractors and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. military, other government participants, unions, trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers. NIOSH and its partners encourage any employer who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace to participate. Employers whose workers are not exposed to fall hazards can use the safety stand-down as an opportunity to focus on other job hazards. Following the stand-down, employers will be able to download a certificate of participation and provide feedback about their experience.

The website for the safety stand-down provides resources to help workplaces participate in the event, including free training materials, videos, and additional educational resources. Highlights​ from previous years are also available.​​​​​