Every day, construction workers bring our communities to life—building homes, offices, and infrastructure we all rely on. But alongside the pride and progress comes a serious risk: falls from heights remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
This May, the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction initiative invites companies and crews nationwide to pause work and focus on fall prevention. It’s more than a safety meeting—it’s an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who help build our world.
Understanding the Risk
The numbers tell a powerful story. Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for more than one-third (34%) of all fatalities. Between 2011 and 2021, over 3,500 workers lost their lives to falls from elevation—often while performing everyday tasks like climbing ladders, working on scaffolding, or navigating unprotected roofs.
These tragedies are so frequent and severe that OSHA has identified falls as one of its “Focus Four” construction hazards—the most deadly risks on job sites—which are emphasized in OSHA’s 10- and 30-hour training programs. Despite decades of awareness, fall protection violations continue to top OSHA’s list of most-cited standards every year. But with proactive planning, proper equipment, and a shared culture of safety, employers and workers can stop fall-related injuries before they happen.
“As you see with the data, falls always have the potential to lead to severe outcomes, no matter the fall distance,” says Sean Yakicic, Amerisure Risk Management Expertise Specialist. “By consistently driving awareness around the exposure and the methods to control, employees are empowered to keep fall prevention safe work practices top of mind.”
What’s Standing in the Way?
Even with awareness, challenges persist:
- Rushed planning can sometimes overlook critical fall protection needs.
- Incomplete training leaves workers unsure of how to recognize hazards or use safety equipment properly.
- Production pressures can unintentionally sideline safety priorities.
These challenges are real—but they can be overcome with intentional leadership, clear communication, and a culture that always puts people first.
How to Step Up and Take Action
Getting involved in the National Safety Stand-Down is simple, and your efforts can have a big impact:
Demonstrate proper fall protection practices—from harness inspection to ladder safety techniques.
Review fall rescue plans so every worker knows what to do in an emergency.
Plan Ahead before every elevated task to ensure safety is built into the work.
Employers and crews don’t need to start from scratch. Organizations like NIOSH, OSHA, and CPWR also offer a wealth of free tools, including:
- Printable safety checklists
- Pre-planned toolbox talks
- Training videos in English and Spanish
- Equipment safety guidelines
A Commitment to Safer Jobsites
The Stand-Down is about more than just compliance—it’s about culture. By working together, we can prevent falls, protect families, and build a stronger, safer industry. “Falls are preventable,” Sean emphasizes. “Let’s all do our part—whatever part that is—to prevent injuries from falling.”
Protecting workers starts with informed action. To discover training materials, planning guides, and real-world solutions designed to help you prevent falls and foster a culture where safety leads the way—visit our Risk Management page.
