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May 04, 2018 #18-014
“Safety
Stand-Down” campaign helps prevent construction falls and saves lives
TUMWATER — Each year falls cause more disabling injuries and
deaths in Washington than any other workplace hazard, and construction workers die
from falls more than workers in any other industry. Sixteen workers died at
Washington construction sites in 2017; ten of those were from falls.
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is committed to reducing the number of fall-related
injuries and deaths. The agency partners every year with the federal
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to sponsor a “Safety
Stand-Down” at worksites across the state. This year’s event runs the week of
May 7-11.
During the Stand-Down, construction employers are encouraged
to voluntarily take time to discuss fall hazards and how to prevent falls with
workers. Stand-down events take a variety of forms like a short toolbox talk,
refresher training, reviewing safety bulletins or watching a safety video.
“Falls from heights, such as from a ladder or roof, are the
number one cause of hospitalizations and deaths in our workplaces every year,”
said Anne Soiza, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational
Safety and Health. “It’s all the more heartbreaking because every one of them
is preventable.”
To help employers with their stand-down events, L&I
provides various tools on its Safety Stand-Down resources website, including safety videos and training documents. Employers
can learn more about the stand-down and get some ideas about how to host an event.
The department also encourages employers to share their feedback
and success stories on the Stand-Down website. Employers who host stand-down
events and complete the online feedback survey are eligible to receive free
gear. They may also print out a certificate of participation on the website and
add their names to a list of safety stand-down supporters.
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For media information: Frank Ameduri, L&I Public Affairs, 360-902-5413.
Connect with L&I: Facebook (facebook.com/laborandindustries) and Twitter (twitter.com/lniwa).
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