According to a recent data bulletin from CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training, the construction industry has faced a concerning trend with more than 300 fatal falls and more than 20,000 nonfatal fall-related injuries reported annually since 2013. CPWR’s data highlighted that roofing contractors led the construction industry with the highest number of fatal falls, slips and trips in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data for the same year revealed 395 fatalities in the construction industry were caused by falls from elevations. These statistics underscore the grim reality of falls, not only in terms of lives lost but also in how the losses affect families. Despite being preventable, CPWR also noted a 53% increase in fatal falls in the roofing industry between 2011 and 2022.
Since 2012, NRCA has worked with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to plan the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction to raise nationwide awareness about fall hazards, aiming to reduce fall-related fatalities and injuries. This year, NRCA has joined as a premier partner with OSHA for the 2024 safety stand-down May 6–10, which offers an important opportunity for roofing contractors to prioritize fall-prevention efforts. The NRCA strongly encourages all roofing contractors to take a break and stand down to prevent falls.
During these events, employers engage in discussions with employees to underscore the significance of safety measures. It also provides an excellent platform for employees to communicate with management regarding occupational hazards they observe, fostering a collaborative approach to workplace safety. In 2023, stand-downs included activities such as special training events, meetings/huddles, demonstrations, toolbox talks and refreshments.
OSHA offers suggestions to ensure a successful event. Learn more. Following the completion of your event, visit OSHA’s National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction page to document your participation and obtain a formal certificate from OSHA.
NRCA will hold an April 24 webinar to offer ideas and planning tips for the safety stand-down. Then, as a part of the safety stand-down week, NRCA will host a May 8 webinar panel discussion focusing on fall prevention in the roofing industry. Register now!
If you have questions about the 2024 National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, please contact Rich Trewyn, NRCA’s director of risk education and training, at rtrewyn@nrca.net.
Be sure to check out NRCA’s fall-prevention resources, including webinars; toolbox talks; Roofing Industry Fall Protection from A to Z training; Fall-protection Trainer Course for Roofing; and Custom Health and Safety Training Webinars.
Visit OSHA’s National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction page to find additional resources.
