Second Annual Fall-Prevention Stand Down
The Houston Fall Prevention Alliance will hold its Second Annual Fall Prevention Stand Down to protect workers from exposure to fall hazards in the construction industries on Tuesday, May 3, at an event hosted by TNT Crane and Rigging. Alliance members include the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Houston South Area Office, Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston (ABC-Houston), American Subcontractors Associations-Houston Chapter (ASA-HC), Gulf Coast Safety Institute of the College of the Mainland (GCSI-COM) and the Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA).
The alliance event will take place during OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which takes place from May 2-6, 2016. The May 3 event will be held from 12-4 p.m. at TNT Crane and Rigging located at 925 South Loop West in Houston. The event is free and open to workers, managers, safety professionals and owners in the construction industry. Education about fall protection hazards and solutions will be highlighted along with demonstrations on how to inspect fall equipment and scaffolds. Food and drinks will be provided. Door prize drawings will be held for those who attend. For a complete list of the event activities and event partners and to register, please visit www.houstonfallprevention.com.
“Fall hazards are still one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry in the Houston area,” said Mark Briggs, Area Director, OSHA Houston South Area Office. “These tragedies are preventable and this Alliance shows that we are working with industry and education partners to improve communication about existing hazards, prevent injuries and save lives.”
The alliance emphasizes training and education to communicate the potential fall hazards in the construction industry – both at ground level and while working at heights.
During this two-year agreement, the alliance will develop targeted training materials that can be used in new employee orientation and at toolbox meetings in addition to tools for employers to evaluate the success of training. Testimonials of workers who have survived falls at work will be captured on video to remind workers of the impact that unsafe acts at work have on their family and personal lives. The alliance will also support other OSHA outreach initiatives including the prevention of heat illness among outdoor workers.
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 or any other enforcement benefits.
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 www.osha.gov.
The Gulf Coast Safety Institute is located at College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas. Established in 2007, the institute focuses on providing safety and health education, training and outreach. For more information on the institute visit www.com.edu/gcsi.