Region 5 News Release: 13-1148-CHI
June 11, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Construction workers to pause for safety stand down on fall hazards June 12
US Department of Labor's OSHA, Builders Association, Construction Safety Council,
LECET sponsoring 30-minute work stoppage to focus on preventing falls

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with the Builders Association, Construction Safety Council, the Chicago Area Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, construction contractors and other safety and health organizations to sponsor a 30-minute safety stand down June 12 at construction sites throughout the Chicago area.

The focus of the stand down is to raise awareness among employers and workers about the hazards of falls in construction, which are the leading cause of job site deaths in the construction industry.

Construction sites will stand down by voluntarily ceasing work for approximately 30 minutes to provide focused training on how falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented by planning ahead and using the right safety equipment.

"The stand down will heighten construction workers' awareness of and ability to identify fall hazards," said Nick Walters, OSHA's regional administrator in Chicago. "Training will be provided on how to use ladders, fall protection systems and other equipment safely. Builders Association-OSHA Alliance members can demonstrate leadership as well as a commitment to worker safety by participating in this safety stand down."

In 2011, there were 262 fall fatalities out of 738 total fatalities in construction. For more information on fall protection visit http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/factsheet.html.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.