Region 4 News Release: 13-1479-ATL (201)
August 01, 2013
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Lindsay Williams
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA announces safety stand-down at Florida
work sites on August 6 to focus on fall prevention

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with trade associations and employers throughout Florida, will conduct a one-hour safety stand-down at construction sites and workplaces on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in support of OSHA's nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among employers and workers about the hazards of falls. Workers will voluntarily stop work from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. EDT to conduct safety training focused on the prevention of falls in the workplace.

In 2010, there were 264 fall fatalities out of 774 total fatalities in construction nationwide. When working from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds and safety gear. Workers need training to understand the proper setup and safe use of specific equipment they use to complete the job. Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: plan, provide and train.

"This stand-down is intended to raise awareness among employers and workers about common fall hazards in all industries," said Teresa Harrison, OSHA's acting regional administrator for the Southeast. "It is the employer's responsibility to protect workers from injury and illness."

OSHA has developed fall prevention educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as information used for workplace training. The agency invites the public to join the effort by helping to reach workers and employers in your communities with resources developed by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Occupational Research Agenda. These resources are available at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/index.html#plan. To register for the event, visit http://www.safe305.com/Download.html. An informational flier and toolbox, in English and Spanish, are also available on the website.

Members of the public interested in more information about OSHA's fall prevention campaign or this event should contact Brian Sturtecky, area director of OSHA's Jacksonville Area Office, at 904-232-2895; Les Grove, area director of OSHA's Tampa Area Office, at 813-626-1177; or Condell Eastman, area director of OSHA's Ft. Lauderdale Area Office, at 954-424-0242.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 216-893-7828 or TTY 216-893-7755.