JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to conduct a Safety Stand Down on Fall Hazards at worksites across the state.
Approximately 60 businesses and 4,000 workers participated in the Stand Down by taking 15 to 30 minutes to focus on fall prevention training on their worksites. The Safety Stand Down on Fall Hazards raised awareness about the hazards associated with falls, which are the leading cause of accidents in the construction industry.
“By working proactively with businesses, we can prevent accidents before they happen,” said Julie Gibson, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Labor. “Decreasing the amount of workplace accidents helps protect the livelihoods of Missouri workers while reducing costs for businesses.”
Alberici hosted a launch event for the Safety Stand Down on Fall Hazards at 11 a.m. at their worksite for the new St. Mary’s Health Center. The event included several guest speakers and safety training provided by OSHA for more than 180 workers at the worksite. The training included information about fall protection systems and ladder and equipment safety.
In addition to the Safety Stand Down on Fall Hazards training, the Department’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is available to help businesses in making Missouri workplaces safer while avoiding costly penalties.
The Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program offers free, confidential safety and health advice to small and medium-sized businesses across the state. Consultants work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. In 2012, Missouri’s On-Site Consultation Program conducted more than 650 visits to worksites and found 6,751 hazards. By correcting the hazards, small businesses saved more than $5.7 million in potential penalties.
To request an On-Site Consultation for your business, visit www.labor.mo.gov/safe or call 573-522-SAFE.
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