The National Safety Council is urging employers to take part in the 2026 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, scheduled for May 4-8. The annual event is held in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Center for Construction Research and Training, along with other industry groups.
Falls continue to be one of the most serious hazards on jobsites. More than 600 workers died from falls to a lower level in 2024, and nearly 120,000 nonfatal incidents involving missed work or job restrictions were reported in 2023-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In construction, falls from elevation remain a leading cause of death.
The voluntary Stand-Down encourages employers to pause work to discuss fall risks and reinforce safety practices with crews. Common activities include:
- Toolbox talks on ladder, roof and scaffold safety
- Inspections of harnesses and fall protection systems
- Emergency response and rescue planning drills
- Jobsite hazard assessments
- Worker-led safety discussions
- Training sessions and demonstrations
While focused on construction, the initiative also applies to industries where employees work at heights, including manufacturing, warehousing and utilities.
Employers can register, access materials and obtain participation certificates through OSHA’s Stand-Down program. Additional guidance and fall prevention resources are available through NSC and industry safety partners.
