Across the nation, falling while on a construction site remains the largest cause of injury and death among construction workers. To combat this problem, and hopefully create more workplaces that preserve workers’ safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Center for Construction Research and Training (CCRT) are encouraging construction employers to take time to participate in the fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. The nationwide push will take place between May 8 and 12.
In the stand-down, employers will pause from their projects and specifically speak to employees about the dangers of falling and how to minimize risks to keep the workplace safe. This might mean discussing specific regulations about scaffolding and harnesses, or detailing a plan for how to respond when an injury does occur.
For many workers, even though safety training is a major focus throughout the industry, the transient nature of the job means that workers float from job site to job site, and many of them may simply miss important safety training. By organizing a major safety event across the industry, safety agencies hope to create a more uniform blanket of safety understanding among workers, keeping worksites safer for everyone.
Unfortunately, no amount of safety training can completely undo the possibility of an injury on the job. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you should not hesitate to secure a skilled attorney. With proper legal guidance from an experienced attorney, you can keep your rights secure as you explore your options for fair compensation for your injury, charting a course to recovery and a fresh start.
Source: Safety Health, “Safety groups: ‘Stand down’ to help protect construction workers,” April 10, 2017
