The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will host its 5^th annual National Safety Stand-Down May 7-11.

The voluntary event is designed to allow roofing contractors and other construction trades an opportunity to address safety issues on the jobsite, and to specifically discuss fall prevention. Falls from height continue to be a leading killer of construction employees, accounting for 370 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics.

OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Center for Construction Research and Training are leading the effort to encourage employers to pause during their workdays for topic discussions, demonstrations and training regarding how to recognize hazards and prevent falls.

Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the designated week.

More than 1 million workers participated each year in previous stand-downs. To guide the efforts of employers for the stand-down, OSHA offers the National Safety Stand-Down website with information about conducting a successful stand-down. After their events, employers are encouraged to provide feedback and will receive a personalized certificate of participation.