Protect Jobsite Workers by Focusing on Fall Prevention
OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction begins Monday, May 6. 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 395 of the 1,069 construction fatalities recorded in 2021, 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, such as 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.
Roofing continues to be the most dangerous job in construction for falls, with falls from roofs accounting for 33% of all fall fatalities in construction. NAHB has a roofing safety video toolbox talk that outlines proper safety procedures for roofers.
For tips on holding a stand-down, visit the NAHB Fall Safety Stand-Down page. NAHB also has a free comprehensive written toolkit on fall protection for members that includes a model plan, training resources and handouts on a wide range of fall protection topics. Consider showing the video below — available in both English and Spanish — to workers during the stand-down.

Latest from NAHBNow
May 30, 2025
NAHB Members Provide Final Recommendations for New WOTUS RuleNAHB members concluded their participation in multiple “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) listening sessions with strong showings in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City. In total, 12 NAHB members and four staff members from NAHB and state home builder associations (HBAs), representing 11 states, provided oral statements at listening sessions.
May 30, 2025
Statement from NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes on DOL Decision to Pause Job Corps Center OperationsNAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes issued the following statement after the Department of Labor announced it was pausing Job Corps center operations nationwide.
Latest Economic News
May 30, 2025
Multifamily Absorption Moves Lower for New ApartmentsThe percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion continued to trend lower, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
May 29, 2025
Treasury Yield Increase Drives Mortgage Rates Higher in MayMortgage rates continued their upward trend in May due to market volatility triggered by fiscal concerns and weaker U.S. Treasury demand. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.82% — a 9-basis-point (bps) increase from April. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage increased by 5 bps to 5.95%.
May 28, 2025
Aging-in-Place Remodeling Work Fell While Familiarity and Receptiveness Remain HighOnly 56% of professional remodelers undertake projects designed to allow homeowners to Age-in-Place (AIP), according to results from NAHB’s Q1 2025 Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey.