Construction workers are invited to join West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension specialists on Monday, May 4, at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown for a day of safety demonstrations and giveaways to raise awareness of the industry’s prevalent fall hazard.

The event kicks off WVU’s participation in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s National Fall Prevention Stand-Down campaign, running May 4 – 15, to bring the issue of construction fall fatalities to the forefront and provide valuable information on how these accidents can be prevented.

“We hope the National Stand-Down helps to remind contractors and workers that falls are preventable by using proper technologies and teaching appropriate work practices,” said Wayne Lundstrom, WVU Safety and Health Extension assistant professor and director of the National Resource Center -OSHA Region III Training Center.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation accounted for 35 percent of the construction fatalities recorded in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Getting the job done is important, but ultimately, ensuring that these workers return home to their families at the end of the day is the only thing that matters,” he said.

The event will showcase safety technologies and perform various demonstration designed to prevent construction falls. Attendees will also be able to browse various informational stations to gather handouts detailing safety measures for ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts and more.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with ongoing demonstrations, equipment displays and vendors lasting until 2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

Additionally, event organizers will offer a tuition-free education course, “OSHA #7405 Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Alumni Center. Participants will learn how to identify, analyze and prevent fall hazards. A certificate of completion will be provided to those who finish the course.

For those unable to attend the Monday event, the course will also be offered on Friday, May 8, at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township, Pa., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The course typically costs $225. Space for the course is limited and preregistration is required. Visit www.wvusafetyandhealth.org to register.

To learn more about WVU Safety and Health Extension, call 1-800-626-4748.

-WVU-

bu/4/29/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, cassie.thomas@mail.wvu.edu
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