National Safety Stand-Down
What is National Safety Stand-Down Week?
In the construction industry, falls from elevated surfaces remain a leading cause of workplace fatalities. That’s why National Safety Stand-Down Week, a yearly, voluntary OSHA initiative—was created to raise awareness and promote fall prevention best practices across the workforce.
National Safety Stand-Down Week is an opportunity for employers to pause work and engage their teams in a direct conversation about workplace safety, with a primary focus on preventing fall hazards.
- Review jobsite safety procedures
- Reinforce the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Encourage feedback from workers on real-world hazards they face
- Revisit the company’s safety goals and training efforts
How to Have a Successful Safety Stand-Down
Most companies will hold these “toolbox talks” during a break throughout Safety Stand-Down week or by conducting other safety activities like inspections, creating rescue plans, or discussing hazardous conditions specific to their jobs. Participation is not limited to the construction industry. OSHA recommends a few best practices to ensure a successful Safety Stand-Down:
Plan Ahead
- Start early and designate a stand-down coordinator at each site.
- Decide when the stand-down will be held and its duration
- Promote the stand-down events and activities
- Use emails, posters, and word of mouth to raise awareness about Safety Stand-Down.
Involve Everyone
- Ask everyone to participate: subcontractors, owners, architects, engineers, or anyone associated with the safety hazards or specific project.
- Create a collaborative and safe environment for discussions about safety.
Evaluate and Improve
- Review your fall prevention program
- What falls could happen?
- What needs improvement?
- What training has been provided and should it be revised?
- What equipment is provided to personnel and is better equipment available?
Provide Hands-On Learning/Training
- Develop stand-down presentations or activities to best convey information to employees.
- Safety Stand-Down should provide information to personnel about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety goals, policies, and expectations. Hands-on activities can increase participation and retention.
Follow-Up
- Document what was covered.
- Capture Employee Feedback.
- Adjust future safety trainings based on feedback provided.
Why Participate in National Safety Stand-Down Week?
- Demonstrates your company’s commitment to OSHA compliance and employee safety
- Reduces risk of injury or fatality on the job
- Enhances communication between management and employees
- Reinforces your fall prevention strategies and PPE readiness