In 2017, of the 971 U.S. fatalities in construction, 366 were due to falls. Nearly a thousand deaths in one year from going to work is obscene and the number from falls is unacceptable. We can do something about it and the time to start is Monday May 6, 2019, the first day of safety week and OSHA’s National Safety Stand Down to prevent falls in construction. This is an opportunity for all construction employers to talk directly with their workers about fall prevention.

What is a stand down? For just a few minutes, take a break from work and emphasize how dangerous it is to be working at heights—even lower heights. Between 2011 and 2016 more than 400 workers died due to falls less than 6 feet. All falls are preventable. Do you and your workers understand the steps to prevent injuries from falls? Plan ahead for safety, provide the right equipment, and train everyone to work safely. Start by eliminating fall exposure from initiatives like Ladders Last. Figure out was to eliminate ladders from your job sites--fall protection rather than fall prevention. Build steps when possible or use pre-engineered gang ladders.

OSHA has lots of resources as does the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) and its Safety and Risk Management Council, which met last week. Council director Mike Schneider with Baker Concrete led discussions about three recent deaths in New York City and the tragic crane collapse in Seattle. Coincidentally, ASCC has a webinar scheduled for May 8 on crane safety. We can and must do better. Nearly a thousand construction deaths in a year in the U.S. is unforgiveable.