2020 Safety Stand-DownThe 7th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls, postponed due to COVID-19,  was rescheduled for the week of September 14-18.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 320 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

“Even during a pandemic, workers still need training. With social distancing and proper protocol, we can still train workers. Participating in Safety Stand-Down this year gives some sense of returning to normalcy,” United Tool and Fastener Safety Specialist, Charlie Gertson, explained.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention". Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they observe.

Anyone who wants to prevent workplace hazards can participate in the Safety Stand-Down. According to OSHA, in past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer's trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.

United Tool and Fastener offers a multitude of safety training, including OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, onsite fall protection training and demonstration, ladder training, Ramset tool training, rigging/signal person training, and first-aid/CPR/AED training.

To request a stand-down with UTF Safety Specialist, Charlie Gertson, or other training, please call 713-823-9016 or the Houston showroom at 713-692-2323.

Certificate of Participation

Employers can provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation following the Stand-Down. The certificate pages are active on September 14, 2020, for employers to enter their information and print their certificate.

Success over the last six years:

  • Stand-downs were reported in all 50 states and internationally.
  • Participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer's trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.
  • Over 150 public events were held across the country each year.
  • Falls to a lower level decreased from 366 to 320 (2018 BLS Data).

According to Loren Sweatt, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, “safety is a full-time job.”

“That’s why it is important for workers and employers to remain focused on fall hazards every day – not just during the stand-down. Employers can educate workers on fall hazards not only through participation in stand-downs, but also through safety meetings, the creation of or improvements in safety and health programs, and simple measures like a harness check.”

OSHA provides compliance assistance materials and programs on its website to help employers keep workers safe.

Share Your Story

To share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down, send your email to [email protected]. To share your Stand-Down story on social media, use the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety.