Hold a Fall Safety Stand Down Next Week to Protect Workers

Safety
Published

OSHA’ s annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction begins Monday, May 2. Use valuable resources from OSHA and NAHB to educate workers on fall risks and help avoid preventable injuries.

Fatalities caused by falls on jobsites continue to be the leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those deaths were preventable with the proper training, jobsite requirements and equipment.

In addition, improper fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation each year for construction.

OSHA, with support from NAHB, holds a week-long stand down to encourage construction firms to set aside time to discuss fall protection with workers. In advance of the stand down, company managers should review their policies, training materials and equipment to make sure workers have everything they need.

Pick a specific topic to focus on, one that is relevant to the current work on the jobsite like scaffolding, ladder or roofing safety. Present the information to the workers, keeping it short and simple. Use visual aids or conduct hands-on demonstrations, such as how to put on a harness or inspect a ladder/scaffold.

For tips on holding a stand down, visit the NAHB Fall Safety Stand Down page. NAHB also has a free comprehensive written toolkit for members that includes a model plan, training resources and handouts on a wide range of fall protection topics. Consider showing the video below to workers during the stand down (Spanish version available here).

Taking just 15 minutes on one day next week to focus on fall prevention can save lives, missed time and money. Falls on construction sites are preventable if everyone takes safety seriously.

NAHB Builders Mutual Logo
Infographic showing what type of falls are common in construction

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Awards

Oct 03, 2025

NAHB Awards Deadline Extended to Oct. 20

Interested applicants for NAHB’s prestigious award programs now have additional time to submit top projects and individuals for consideration. Don't miss your chance - apply by Monday, Oct. 20.

Sponsored Content

Oct 03, 2025

Fast Money, Fewer Headaches

Every week lost to underwriting is a week you’re not building, selling, or scaling. Delays push projects out of prime seasons, tighten cash flow, and leave crews idle. And when banks already move at their own pace, builders who aren’t prepared can get stuck at the back of the line.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

Square Foot Prices Moderate in 2024

Median square foot prices for new single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction (SOC) data. For custom, or contractor-built, homes, the median price was $166 per square foot of floor space, up slightly from $162 in 2023.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

17% of NAHB Builders Built Age-Restricted Housing in 2024

Only 17% of NAHB builder members build age-restricted housing for people age 55 or older, according to 2024 Member Census. This is up two percentage points from the previous year. However, this share has remained within a narrow band (15%-17%) since the question was added to the member census in 2009.