The National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down was conceived by OSHA to raise awareness surrounding the severity of fall hazards in construction and the importance of preventing them.  It is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations.  Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by stopping work and providing a focused toolbox talk on a safety topic such as ladder safety, fall protection equipment, or scaffolds safety.  The Center for Construction Research and Training has produced nine construction falls-related toolbox talks:
CPWR Toolbox Talk – Aerial Lifts
CPWR Toolbox Talk – Equipment: Getting On and Off
CPWR Toolbox Talk – Falls: General Protection and Awareness
CPWR Toolbox Talk – Falls From Moving Machinery
CPWR Toolbox Talk – Falls Through Holes and Openings
CPWR Toolbox Talks – Falls: Extension Ladders
CPWR Toolbox Talks – Falls: Step Ladders
CPWR Toolbox Talks: Preventing Falls From Scaffolding
CPWR Toolbox Talks — Preventing Falls From Roofs

OSHA Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Try to start early.
2. Consider reviewing your fall prevention program. This will help provide a more effective stand-down.
1. What types of falls could happen?
2. What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses? Are employees aware of the company's fall protection procedures?
3. What training have you provided to your workers? Does it need revision?
4. What equipment have you provided to your workers? Is better equipment available?
3. Develop presentations or activities that will meet your needs. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period, or some other time.
4. Promote the stand-down. Make it interesting to workers. Serve snacks increases participation.
5. Hold your stand-down. Try to make it positive and interactive. Let workers talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
6. Follow up. If you learned something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

Learn more about this event and receiving an OSHA Certificate of Participation at www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/, and share your story with OSHA at www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/index.html#share