WASHINGTON – To increase awareness of construction fatalities caused by falls from elevation, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) recognizes and supports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) awareness campaign to prevent fall fatalities and injuries.

Falls from elevation are a leading cause of death in the construction industry, and labor statistics indicate that the number of fatalities and injuries from falls have risen in recent years. Lack of proper fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down Campaign takes place May 8 - 12, and will ask employers and workers to voluntarily devote work time to discuss safety hazards, protection, and fall prevention initiatives. Stand-Down events have been scheduled in all 50 states by a host of industry, community, educational, and nonprofit organizations.

RCMA strongly recommends that roofing inspections be performed by a roofing professional authorized and capable of making repairs. If homeowners or in-house staff are conducting inspections, they should always first attempt to observe the roof from the ground. Maintenance, repair, and coating applications should be coordinated by a properly trained building owner or by an experienced roof coatings applicator.

“OSHA's Safety Stand-Down highlights the safety risks inherent in roofing where highly-skilled, highly-trained specialists routinely perform high-elevation work,” said RCMA executive director Matt Coffindaffer. “We encourage RCMA members to participate in this event by taking a moment to emphasize critical safety issues and preventative practices, educate others about best practices, and open a dialogue with all shareholders to ensure a positive and safe workplace environment.”

Stand-Down participants can use the hashtag #StandDown4Safety on social media to help raise awareness for OSHA’s safety awareness campaign. Participants can also share photos of Stand-Down events, certificates of participation, or highlight their own fall prevention efforts.

To learn more about OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down campaign to prevent falls in construction, visit www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown.

For more information, visit www.roofcoatings.org.