National Safety Stand-Down: May 5-9, 2025

The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction (May 5-9) is an annual event aimed at reinforcing the importance of fall prevention in the workplace.

Fall hazards are found in many work settings, but falls from elevation are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for 421 of the 1,075 construction fatalities recorded in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those deaths were preventable.

The Safety Stand-Down is an opportunity for employers and workers to pause work activities and discuss fall prevention. By taking a moment to focus on fall prevention, employers and workers can help prevent falls and save lives. Here are ways you can conduct a stand-down in your workplace:

  • Conduct a toolbox talk on fall protection, ladder, scaffold, guardrail, or MEWP safety

  • Perform a safety equipment inspection with workers

  • Develop a rescue plan

  • Distribute the Event Safety Guide to workers

  • Hold a training session using the TTF Safety First! curriculum

  • Encourage workers to download the IATSE TTF Courses & Resources mobile app to take one of the many TTF Safety First! Online Courses and access industry-specific safety resources, including fact sheets that recognize potential hazards in built and natural work environments

  • Join OSHA’s Atlanta Region and the Georgia Tech and North Carolina On-Site Consultation Programs for a webinar that will address fall hazards, mitigation strategies, and best practices. Preventing Falls in Construction and General Industry will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, May 7, 9:30-11 a.m. ET. Advanced registration is not required. Click here to join.

  • Register for the IATSE Education Department’s hop-on and hop-off webinar rebroadcast marathon. Click here to register.

    • Safety Awareness While Working at Heights on Thursday, May 8 | 12–1:30 p.m. EDT

    • Head Protection for the IATSE on Thursday, May 8 | 2–3:30 p.m. EDT

OSHA has handouts, posters, fact sheets, and more resources on their website to help you plan your stand-down event. Learn more about how to participate here: www.StopConstructionFalls.com

CoursesLuz VazquezSafety First!, TTF Courses & Resources