Save the date: National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents

Washington — The National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents is set for April 15-19.

This annual event – scheduled in conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week – is aimed at raising awareness of struck-by hazards and how to prevent them.

“Struck-by hazards are present on nearly every jobsite, and include things like falling and flying objects, vehicles and heavy equipment, and swing hazards from cranes,” says event co-sponsor CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. “These incidents are the No. 1 cause of nonfatal injuries in construction and the leading cause of death among heavy and civil construction workers, but they can be avoided by careful planning, training and the use of controls.”

Employers are encouraged to use the stand-down as an opportunity to pause the workday for safety demonstrations, toolbox talks and training opportunities.

NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda Construction Sector Council coordinates the stand-down, working in partnership with OSHA, CPWR, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.