Heads Up, Stay Safe: Join the National Safety Stand Down To Prevent Falls

From May 1 to May 5, 2023, the National Stand-Down To Prevent Falls will take place to address falls from heights, one of the most frequent causes of accidents and death for construction workers. The stand-down aims to prevent these accidents by raising awareness and reminding workers of their responsibility to put safety before anything else on the job.

March held its first of several stand-downs, today at our Ballantine Brewery jobsite. Safety Director Frank Brady gave a speech and Safety Coordinator Leila Stephan handed out flyers to workers including safety reminders in both English and Spanish. The meeting drove home some critical points about Fall Protection, Scaffolding, Stairways, Ladders, and more:

1. Proper fall protection equipment is critical in reducing the risk of falls.
2. Working at heights poses significant hazards and risks, including the potential for serious injuries and fatalities.
3. Regular training and education on fall prevention and protection measures are essential for employee safety.
4. Hazard assessments should be performed before starting any job that involves working at heights or potential fall risks, including securing ladders and properly wearing and fastening a harness, hard hat, and other safety gear. 
5.  Excellent communication between management and employees is necessary to ensure everyone is aware of potential hazards and understands how to stay safe.
6. A positive safety culture can reduce incidents and create a safer work environment for all.
7. Workers should take personal responsibility for their safety by following safe work practices, using proper equipment, and reporting any hazards or concerns promptly.