Construction workers halt work for fall safety

Chicago-area construction sites paused work for 30-minutes on June 12 to raise awareness among employers and workers about the hazards of falls in construction, which are the leading cause of job site deaths in the construction industry.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) partnered with the Builders Association, Construction Safety Council, the Chicago Area Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, construction contractors and other safety and health organizations sponsored the 30-minute safety stand down.

During the 30 minutes, information and training was given about how falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented by planning ahead and using the right safety equipment.

“The stand down heightened construction workers’ awareness of and ability to identify fall hazards,” said Nick Walters, OSHA’s regional administrator in Chicago. “Training was provided on how to use ladders, fall protection systems and other equipment safely. Builders Association-OSHA Alliance members demonstrated leadership as well as a commitment to worker safety by participating in this safety stand down.”

In 2011, there were 262 fall fatalities out of 738 total fatalities in construction, OHSA said.