Construction Falls: Progress and Prevention

Summary

Falls from elevation remain the leading work-related cause of death in construction (BLS 2026a).1 The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sponsor the Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction. Its primary event to raise awareness is the Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction (Stand-Down).

During the Stand-Down, employers pause work to talk directly with workers about fall hazards. Activities may include toolbox talks, equipment inspections, and demonstrations of fall protection systems. The campaign encourages employers to plan work safely, provide the correct equipment, and train everyone on how to prevent falls. The 2026 Stand-Down continues this effort by highlighting prevention strategies, resources, and participation opportunities for workplaces across the country.

Contributing Factors and Strategies for Fall Prevention

Four out of ten of the OSHA top citations about standards in 2024 involved falls. In 2024, U.S. construction workers experienced 95% of all fatal falls from elevation and 44% of all nonfatal slips, trips, and falls. This represents an extensive impact on construction employers, workers, and their families. In fact, construction workers experienced nearly half (46%) of all fatal occupational slips, trips, and falls in 2024 (BLS 2026a, BLS 2026b).12

Many fall incidents occur during roofing, ladder work, and structural framing tasks. This makes roofing and residential construction involving ladders and scaffolding high-risk activities.

Smaller worksites tend to have limited resources and safety staff. Consequently, approximately 70% of fatal falls occur in firms with 10 or fewer employees (CPWR, 2024).3 It is critical to remember that personal protective equipment (PPE) is not the only solution. The hierarchy of controls can help you select effective fall prevention strategies to address common contributing factors for falls at work. Here are examples.

Contributing factor:

Lack of oversight in prevention planning.

Prevention strategies:

• Eliminating work at height is the most effective strategy when possible.
• Engineering controls such as guardrails and safe access systems reduce risk.

Contributing factor:

Training gaps can affect hazard recognition.

Prevention strategies:

• Training and safety procedures support safe work practices.
• Job rotations may support proactive hazard recognition.

Contributing factor:

Reduced availability and use of proper equipment, including access to equipment and fall protection, at the jobsite.

Prevention strategies:

• Ensure access to personal protective equipment.
• Providing training on the proper use of personal protective equipment provides additional protection when hazards remain.

Addressing these factors can help support safety and reduce fall risk.

The National Safety Stand‑Down to Prevent Falls

The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction began in 2012. OSHA, NIOSH, and CPWR created the campaign to address falls in construction. In 2014, the Falls Campaign held the first National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. The Stand-Down brings together employers, workers, associations, unions, and others to draw attention to fall hazards and prevention strategies. During the Stand-Down, employers pause work to discuss fall hazards and prevention. Previous Stand-Down evaluations show that thousands of organizations participate each year, reaching hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States and internationally.

How to Participate in the Stand‑Down

The 13^th annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction will occur May 4-8, 2026. Employers or project owners can host a safety stand-down at their workplace. Anyone can participate, including commercial construction companies, residential construction contractors, independent contractors, trade associations, and safety equipment manufacturers (OSHA, 2026). Safety Stand-Down activities can be planned at a time that works best on the job site. Activities can include:

• Toolbox talks
• Safety equipment inspections
• Fall protective equipment demonstrations
• Rescue plan development
• Hazard identification and discussion
• Worker feedback on improving fall prevention

Upcoming Events and Resources

Find resources — in English and Spanish — on the redesigned Falls Campaign website Resources include how to take part in the Stand-Down and how to order free hardhat stickers, Hazard Alert Cards, and more. Employers can use these materials to support training and safety planning throughout the year to prevent falls. Other resources include:

CPWR Webinars

• Wednesday, April 15 at 1pm (EST) Showcase of New Falls Campaign Premier Partner Resources Webinar
• Monday, April 20 at 1pm (EST) Use of Positive Protection Devices for Work Zone Safety
• Monday, May 4 at 2pm (EST) Kick-Off the 2026 Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction!
• Tuesday, May 5 at 1pm (EST) Prevention Through Design: Ask the Expert Webinar
• Friday, May 8, 1pm (EST) Top Three Things to Know About Working on Roofs

Resources from NIOSH

• CDC/NIOSH Construction Safety and Health YouTube Playlist
• NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Reports
• Ladder Safety App

Resources from OSHA

• Highlights from the Past Stand-Downs
• Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful "Stand-Down"
• OSHA Standard Interpretations – Rescue of a suspended worker following a fall event
• OSHA Model Fall Protection Plan

Resources from CPWR

• Event ideas for a successful Stand-Down in English and Spanish
• CPWR General Fall Protection Plan in English and Spanish
• CPWR Fall Rescue Planning Tipsheet in English and Spanish

All participants are encouraged to register for an official Certificate of Participation after their events. These certificates recognize participants' efforts to prevent falls and are how the Falls Campaign organizers measure annual participation in the Stand-Down. Certificates are available in English and Spanish.

Author Information

Christina Socias-Morales, DrPH, is a Research Epidemiologist and Co-Coordinator for the Construction Program in the NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health.

Jessica Bunting, MPH, is the Research to Practice Director at the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR).

Rosa Greenberg, MPH, is a Research Analyst in Research to Practice at CPWR.

Emily J. Haas, PhD is Associate Director for Science in the NIOSH Division of Safety Research and Co-coordinator for the NIOSH Construction Program in the Office of Construction Safety and Health.