Media Advisory: National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents

WHAT

National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents: Companies are encouraged to pause work and provide a safety talk, conduct safety equipment inspections, or discuss common struck-by hazards with construction workers.

WHO

Construction industry: Employers, managers, site supervisors, safety & health professionals, and workers.

WHEN

April 11 – 15: Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down anytime that works best for their workplace.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

STOP. TALK. ACT. Take a moment to gather workers on a site, talk about the potential risks on the job, conduct safety equipment inspections, and highlight safety solutions to reduce risk. The following resources are available to assist with planning a Stand-Down:

• Webinars (April 11, 13, 14): Free registration for as many as 4 webinars on how to prevent struck-by incidents, including first Spanish-language webinar
• Toolbox talks: Real-life examples of highway work zone, lift zone, heavy equipment and trench safety, preventing falling objects, and head injuries
• Infographics for easy distribution and promotion of safety messages
• Training videos
• Additional resources on personal protective equipment and equipment safety

Resources are available in both Spanish and English, here.

BACKGROUND

Struck-by incidents occur when a moving object strikes a worker. These struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers. The four most common struck-by hazards are struck-by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object, both large and small, from vehicles and heavy machinery to rocks, gravel and tools. NIOSH and partners are undertaking several initiatives to increase awareness of struck-by hazards and create a safe work environment. The 3^rd annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents is an opportunity for construction employers and workers to discuss training, hazards, protective methods, and a company’s safety policies and goals.

In addition to NIOSH, the Stand-Down is supported by OSHA, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. These partners work together through the NORA Construction Sector Council which undertakes a number of initiatives to prevent injury, illness and death in the construction industry.