Fall Prevention Events Planned across the Carolinas this Week

The National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction is scheduled for May 8-12, 2017. Employers and workers are asked to pause their workday to talk about fall prevention and protection in construction and to discuss topics like ladder safety, scaffolding safety and roofing safety to prevent an injury or fatality. The stand-down provides an opportunity to have open conversations about safety in the workplace.

The N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL), which provides a variety of resources related to fall protection throughout the year, encourages participation in this annual stand-down. Lamar Advertising is supporting NCDOL’s efforts to raise awareness about fall prevention from elevated surfaces by donating billboard space throughout North Carolina promoting the stand-down.

The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) is a longtime supporter of this voluntary event as well. South Carolina LLR/OSHA notes that a stand-down may be as simple as a 15-minute Toolbox Talk or several hours of training over the course of the week. You can share your Stand-Down story and group photos with SC OSHA by email, and download a certificate of participation after your event. Certificates will be available until June 30, 2017.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities recorded in 2015. Fall prevention safety standards were also among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards.