May 6-10, 2024 - Time for a Safety Reconnect!

Safety Reconnect

Safety Reconnect (previously known as Safety Stand Down) is a scheduled opportunity for leaders to discuss safety concerns with frontline supervisors and workers. Among the workforce, frontline workers, who make up the majority, have the highest rate of recordable incidents and injuries, especially among newcomers—this group is the one that benefits the most from such events with senior leadership to prevent incidents.

In May—6-10, 2024, I suggest joining in on the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls—This is a common event in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with the National Safety Council and many other organizations, urges employers to address fall protection and safety when working at heights during the 2024 National Safety Stand-down from May 6-10.

Although you can base your Safety Reconnect on any issue, falls from elevation are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for workers after highway crashes. In 2022,?700 workers died in the USA, and in 2021-22, 129,010 were injured?because of falls from elevation. These deaths are preventable.

Not ready for May 6-10?

This type of event can be scheduled to fit your organization and project timeline. While there are yearly occasions, it is crucial for both your employees and management to proceed when the timing permits. The optimal time to reconnect with your workers is right after the project is fully mobilized to the site—which can be almost anytime of year.

What is the National Safety Stand-down?

Launched on Workers Memorial Day in 2012, the program aimed to raise awareness about preventing fall hazards in construction and took two years to complete. Because of its success, it begins every construction season in May. The participation of tens of thousands of employers and millions of workers has been noted throughout the world.

All Industries Can Conduct a Safety Reconnect

Falls can occur in various industries, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, where working from heights is involved. The NSC and OSHA are encouraging workers in all sectors to carry out a Safety Reconnect. Every company, regardless of size, can take part.

Its Easy to Conduct a Safety Reconnect

A Safety Reconnect can be a one-time event, or it can incorporate fall-safety events throughout the week. Managers are encouraged to plan a Safety Reconnect that works best for their workplace:

·?????? Conduct a toolbox talk on ladder, scaffold or roof safety

·?????? Conduct a safety inspection along with employees

·?????? Develop a rescue plan

·?????? Hold a training session

·?????? Show a safety video

Resources

For more information on Safety Reconnect or Standdown, I would recommend going to https://www.energysafetycanada.com/Standards/Programs/Safety-Reconnect for more information.

Need Help?

Call me at 587-834-0358 or email me at [email protected] for more information.