Each year, hundreds of construction workers lose their lives to falls — and thousands more are injured.
In 2023, the U.S. construction industry recorded 1,075 worker fatalities, and 39.2% of those were due to falls, slips, and trips — the single largest cause of death on the job according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That’s why OSHA and the National Safety Council (NSC) lead the National Safety Stand-Down, a weeklong industry-wide event focused on preventing falls in construction. From toolbox talks to rescue planning, the goal is simple: stop fatal falls before they happen.
At Corfix, we believe safety isn’t just a compliance checkbox — it’s the foundation of every good jobsite. That’s why we’re proud to support this year’s Stand-Down with real-world tips, tools, and a practical framework for fall protection and prevention.
5 Actionable Ways to Conduct a Stand-Down
Whether you’ve participated before or this is your first time, here are five hands-on ways to bring Safety Stand-Down Week to life on your site:
1. Host a Toolbox Talk (Don’t Worry, We’ve Got Some Ready)
When it comes to creating real safety awareness, there’s no tool more powerful — or easier to use — than a good toolbox talk.
A quick, focused conversation gets everyone thinking about hazards, not just going through the motions.
This Safety Stand-Down Week, pick a topic that hits close to home.
For example: ladder safety.
In 2023 alone, ladders and stairs were responsible for 109 construction fatalities — many from simple, preventable mistakes like skipping inspections, setting up improperly, or rushing without maintaining three points of contact.
Here’s how to run an effective toolbox talk:
- Keep it brief (10–15 minutes). Focus on 1–2 key actions workers can apply immediately.
- Use real-world stories or ask for examples. Crew members often have great (and sometimes scary) near-miss stories — use them to make lessons real.
- Bring props or visuals. Demo a safe ladder setup, proper harness fitting, or show a worn-out lanyard for discussion. Seeing equipment in hand hits harder than a printed checklist.
Want a jump start? We have ready-to-go Toolbox Talks you can download, including topics like Ladder Safety and Slips, Trips, and Falls — perfect for Stand-Down Week or anytime safety needs a sharper focus.
2. Walk the Site — With Your Crew
Skip the “clipboard and silence” vibe. A safety inspection doesn’t need to feel like a secret audit — and when your crew feels included, they’re more likely to speak up and buy in. During Safety Stand-Down Week, turn your inspection into a collaborative activity that strengthens awareness and accountability.
Here’s how to do it:
- Give workers a checklist. Make it simple, visual, and role-specific — think “What would you want your apprentice or your own family member to check here?”
- Assign areas or systems to review. Rotate responsibilities across ladders, scaffolding, guardrails, tie-off points, and tool storage. If it’s on the site, it’s fair game.
- Reward engagement. Shout out sharp observations, encourage team discussion, and maybe throw in a little incentive (even just a coffee or shoutout goes a long way).
By involving your crew directly, you build ownership of safety culture — and you’ll catch more hazards before they become injuries. That’s a win for compliance, productivity, and trust.
3. Create or Review a Fall Rescue Plan
Fall protection is only half the equation. If someone falls and their harness does its job — what happens next?
This is where many safety programs fall short. A well-documented rescue plan ensures that your crew knows exactly how to respond if a fall arrest occurs, and it can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophic outcome.
Use Safety Stand-Down Week as a chance to pressure-test your plan:
- Review rescue procedures for each active jobsite. Factors like building height, access points, and crew size can drastically change your response plan from site to site.
- Assign specific roles — and confirm everyone’s trained. Who calls emergency services? Who handles equipment? Who initiates the rescue? If one person is out sick, is there a backup?
- Inspect and stage rescue gear. Confirm you have the right tools on-site (like winches, ladders, or descent devices), and that they’re accessible, functional, and known to the team.
OSHA emphasizes the importance of rescue planning as part of fall protection compliance — especially when investigating post-incident response or conducting audits.
Don’t wait for the worst-case scenario to find out your plan has gaps. Build confidence now, while the stakes are low.
4. Hold a Hands-On Training Session
Sometimes, the best way to reinforce safety isn’t through slides or handouts — it’s through doing. Especially when it comes to fall protection gear, hands-on training helps turn “I think I know” into “I’ve done this before.”
Use this week to run a quick field demo or rotating skill station. It doesn’t need to be complicated — just real, relevant, and interactive.
Some high-impact topics:
- Harness fitting and inspection: Show how to inspect straps and buckles, check expiration dates, and get a proper fit. A loose or misaligned harness can be just as dangerous as no harness at all.
- Anchor setup and testing: Walk through where to place anchors, how to calculate fall clearance, and how to verify anchor strength. Visuals go a long way here.
- Ladder safety demonstration: Use a real ladder to show correct angle (4:1 ratio), how to maintain 3 points of contact, and how not to carry tools while climbing.
- Scaffold access and tie-off protocols: Demonstrate the proper way to enter and exit scaffold platforms, and when fall arrest systems are required.
Keep it site-specific, short (15–20 minutes), and focused. Bonus points if you turn it into a quick crew competition or hands-on challenge.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s participation. When crews engage directly, the lessons stick longer and get applied faster.
5. Watch a Safety Video — Then Discuss It
Videos can do what lectures sometimes can’t: put workers directly in the shoes of someone facing a real fall hazard.
A strong visual reminder sticks — and it can turn a typical safety talk into a real eye-opener.
This Safety Stand-Down Week, pick a short, high-impact clip to watch together. The goal isn’t just to deliver information — it’s to spark real conversation.
We recommend the Centre for Construction Research and Training’s “Stop Construction Falls” bilingual resource page to choose something that will land with your team.
After the video, invite your crew into the conversation:
- “Have you ever seen something like this on our jobs?”
- “What could have been done differently?”
- “What’s one simple habit we could all tighten up starting today?”
Keep the vibe open and practical. There are no wrong answers — the discussion itself builds buy-in and personal responsibility.
Sometimes, seeing someone else’s mistake (or narrow escape) hits harder than a checklist ever could.
Fall Protection Do’s and Don’ts by Hazard Type
Falls happen fast. And most occur during routine activities — ladders, roof work, or scaffolding setups.
Use these do’s and don’ts in your talks, walkarounds, or printed signage during Stand-Down Week:
Roofing Safety
DO:
- Install and inspect guardrails or fall arrest systems
- Keep walking paths clear of debris
- Train workers on hazard zones and equipment use
DON’T:
- Work near edges without protection
- Use personal fall arrest systems without anchoring correctly (must hold 5,000 lbs)
- Ignore wind, rain, or slippery surfaces
Ladder Safety
DO:
- Inspect ladders daily for cracks, bent rails, or worn feet
- Maintain 3-point contact at all times
- Set up using the 4-to-1 ratio: 1 foot out for every 4 feet up
DON’T:
- Stand on the top rung or use a ladder as scaffolding
- Skip the inspection “just this once”
- Use ladders near power lines or uneven surfaces
Scaffolding Safety
DO:
- Ensure scaffolds are built by qualified personnel
- Inspect components daily and after storms or impacts
- Keep platforms fully planked with proper guardrails
DON’T:
- Use makeshift or damaged components
- Skip harnesses or tie-offs when required
- Climb cross-bracing instead of designated access
Keep the Safety Stand-Down Going – Year-Round
Safety Week is a great catalyst — but real fall prevention happens every day.
- When crews slow down to do a double-check
- When supervisors reinforce good habits
- When companies invest in tools that make safety easier, not harder
At Corfix, we help construction teams eliminate paperwork chaos, digitize inspections, track certifications, and stay audit-ready — all from a mobile-first platform built for the field.