OSHA urges employers take a stand against worker falls following Ocean City fall fatality

Marlton, NJ–In light of the fatal fall that occurred yesterday at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, New Jersey, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging all New Jersey employers to take the time to observe National Fall Safety Stand-Down Week, which raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. There have been a total of 38 fatal falls in the state of New Jersey since June 2020.

“Yesterday’s fatal fall is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting workers from fall hazards,” said OSHA Area Director in Marlton Paula Dixon-Roderick.  “Worker falls are preventable with the use of proper fall protection.”

Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards, can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.

Stand-Down 4 Safety Blog:  https://blog.dol.gov/2022/05/03/standdown4safety