OSHA Safety Stand-Down 2025 Targets Deadly Construction Falls
In 2023, falls from elevation claimed the lives of 421 construction workers.

Image via Nong from Getty Images
In 2023, falls from elevation claimed the lives of 421 construction workers—accounting for nearly 40% of the year’s 1,075 construction-related fatalities, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The loss of life, safety advocates emphasize, was preventable.
To confront this persistent hazard, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its partners are once again promoting the National Safety Stand-Down, an initiative that encourages employers and workers across the country to pause work and refocus on fall prevention.
A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event in which employers engage directly with workers about jobsite safety. Though centered on fall hazards, the event serves as an opening to discuss a broad range of workplace risks, reinforce protective methods, and revisit company safety policies. For organizations not directly exposed to fall hazards, it offers a valuable opportunity to address other job-specific dangers and empower workers to raise concerns.
Participation is open to all. Previous years have seen involvement from a wide cross-section of industries, including large-scale commercial contractors, residential builders, highway construction crews, general industry employers, the U.S. military, unions, government agencies, and safety product manufacturers.
This year’s Stand-Down continues with the support of a broad coalition, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA-approved State Plans, State Consultation Programs, Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), National Safety Council, National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.
To take part, companies are encouraged to host toolbox talks, conduct safety equipment inspections, develop rescue protocols, or simply open a dialogue about hazards unique to their sites. OSHA provides extensive planning resources, including preparation tips and public event listings. Employers hosting public Stand-Down events can coordinate through regional OSHA contacts.
After the event, participating organizations can download a Certificate of Participation and are encouraged to share their stories via social media using the hashtag #StandDown4Safety. OSHA is also collecting feedback and suggestions via email at oshastanddown@dol.gov.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, safety advocates hope that events like the Stand-Down not only raise awareness but foster lasting cultural change—ensuring that tragedies like those recorded in 2023 become far less common in the years to come.
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