OSHA Encourages Companies to Participate in National Stand-Down Day
Falls remain one of the most serious and preventable workplace hazards. In 2024, over 600 workers died in falls.
Nearly 120,000 cases involving missed work, job restriction or transfer were reported in 2023-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For this reason, OSHA is encouraging construction employers and workers nationwide to participate in the 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, taking place May 4-8, 2026.
The National Safety Stand-Down is a weeklong voluntary event that encourages employers to pause normal work activities to speak directly with workers about fall hazards and prevention.
Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling will participate in the Stand-Down during an event at the Henry Bacon Ball Field on the National Mall, where multiple construction and infrastructure projects are underway. OSHA staff will also participate in Stand-Down events across the country.
OSHA encourages employers to pause work throughout the week and engage employees in safety activities, such as fall prevention training, hazard recognition exercises, safety demonstrations, and toolbox talks. Employers are also urged to address job-specific risks, including those associated with roofing, ladder use, and scaffolding.
Recommended activities include:
- Toolbox talks on ladder, roof and scaffold safety
- Equipment inspections for harnesses and fall protection systems
- Rescue planning and emergency preparedness drills
- Worksite hazard assessments
- Employee-led discussions about safety concerns
- Training sessions and safety demonstrations
“As construction activity increases each spring, the National Safety Stand-Down is a powerful reminder that no job should cost someone their life or livelihood,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO, in a statement. “Taking time to discuss fall hazards, inspect equipment and reinforce safe work practices can prevent devastating injuries and save lives. At NSC, we are committed to providing employers with practical tools and resources, so every worker returns home safely at the end of every shift.”
The National Safety Stand-Down is a key component of OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign and is conducted in partnership with The Center for Construction Research and Training, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the NORA Construction Sector Council. The initiative also aligns with Construction Safety Week and supports industry-wide efforts to prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Construction Safety Week’s “All in Together” campaign reinforces a unified industry commitment to preventing serious injuries and fatalities through its focus on “Recognize, Respond, and Respect.”
Building on this shared mission, OSHA will sign a new alliance with Construction Safety Week to help strengthen a collective commitment to prevent serious incidents and fatalities and advance total worker health across the full construction project life cycle, engaging all industry stakeholders.
OSHA noted that fall prevention is a top priority for the agency. "Through efforts like the Safety Stand-Down, the agency is working to drive real change and emphasizing that lasting progress is achieved through employers, workers, and industry partners working together."
Explore OSHA’s Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction webpage to find more information on the National Safety Stand-Down and fall prevention resources.
While rooted in construction, the Stand-Down is valuable for any industry where employees work at heights or face fall risks, including manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, utilities and maintenance. NSC offers tools and resources to help employers prevent slips, trips and falls, including checklists, training materials, videos, webinars, data insights and prevention guides.