Injuries and fatalities among workers, especially in the construction industry, are a growing concern across the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and every year falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths. These injuries and deaths are preventable once proper safety measures are in place.
To raise awareness of these issues to stop fall fatalities and injuries, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) – Safety in Paradise (SIP) program will join the nation in observing National Safety Stand-Down Week (May 8-12).
A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to their employees about safety. As part of the effort, SIP will host a free Stand-Down workshop from 9-11 a.m., Friday, May 5, at the UVI-CELL Center on the St. Thomas Campus.
It will present employers with information and training materials to help organize Stand-Down activities in the workplace. Companies are encouraged to take a break to have talks or other safety activities, such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans or discussing specific job hazards.
The event is free and open to workers in the construction, roof maintenance, painting, tree trimming, communication towers or any industry where employees are required to work above four feet.
For more information on the Safety Stand-Down, contact Maricel Flores Diaz at 693-1146 or visit http://cell.uvi.edu.
