Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and they accounted for 12 percent of all occupational injuries in 2012. In an effort to prevent these injuries and fatalities through education and outreach, OSHA is launching the 2014 Fall Safety Stand-Down, which will be held from June 2-6.
An estimated 1 million workers and 25,000 businesses, including construction industry leaders, will halt their work for one hour during that week to discuss the importance of recognizing fall hazards and implementing fall safety measures.
One of our America’s Safest Companies winners in 2013, Great Lakes Construction Co., will be a part of this nationwide effort on Tuesday, June 3 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Inner Belt Bridge project site, the largest construction site in the state of Ohio, which is being managed by Trumbull, Ruhlin Co. and Great Lakes Construction.
A harness safety presentation will be given by the company’s safety supervisor, Tyler Edwards. Heat safety will also be addressed during the stand-down, which is being coordinated through the Cleveland Area OSHA office.
“Falls account for more than a third of all deaths in the construction industry,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “One fall can cost an employer their business and a worker their life. Every person participating in these events is showing their commitment to preventing a senseless loss of life and livelihood.”
The stand-down is part of OSHA’s ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign, which was started in 2012 and was developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda program.
The program includes Bill Hocevar and Tyler Edwards with Great Lakes Construction Co.; Howard Eberts, OSHA area director in Cleveland; and Paula Burleson, OSHA onsite consultation.
EHS Today will report on the event.