West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension will offer discounted fall prevention courses to construction workers in West Virginia and Pennsylvania in honor of National Stand-Down Week, June 1-7.

“Fatalities from worksite falls continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers,” Mark Fullen, WVU Safety and Health Extension director, said.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than one-third of all deaths recorded in the construction industry in 2012 were caused by falls from an elevation.

“Work place falls are preventable,” Fullen said. “During this week we’re asking that companies stand-down, stop work for a moment, and really assess the safety training and awareness on their worksites.”

Fall fatalities can be avoided by planning ahead, implementing an effective fall prevention program, training employees and ensuring that fall hazards are protected with guardrails, hole covers or use of personal fall protection equipment.

To support the stand down WVU is offering the OSHA #7405 Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry. Participants will learn to identify, analyze and prevent fall hazards. A certificate of completion will be provided to those who finish the course.

The price of the course is $25, instead of the typical registration cost of $225. Space for the courses is limited and preregistration is required. Visit safetyandhealth.ext.wvu.edu to register.

All classes begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Lunch is provided.

The first course is offered on June 2 at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry, Pennsylvania.

On June 4, the course is offered at Embassy Suites in Charleston.

The last course takes place June 6 at the WVU Alumni Center in Morgantown.

WVU’s Region III OSHA Education Center is one of 28 locations nationwide that provide OSHA courses which offer training programs and instruction to workers, supervisors, owners and safety professionals throughout the state and region.

“We hope the National Stand-down helps to remind employers and workers that they can be proactive in eliminating the risk of injury or death from falls on construction sites,” added Fullen. “We teach and train workers about how to perform their job tasks in a safe, yet efficient way.”

In addition to the courses a free, public demonstration will take place at the WVU Alumni Center parking lot in Morgantown on Friday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Representatives from WVU Safety and Health Extension will provide a basic overview and tips for fall prevention. Vendors will also be on site to show off the latest safety gear.

WVU Extension Service’s Families and Health program will also provide a hydration station and tips for staying healthy and hydrated when working in hot summer conditions.

To learn more about WVU Safety and Health Extension, visit safteyandhealth.ext.wvu.edu, or call 1-800-626-4748.

-WVU-

cw/bg/05/23/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293. 8735, cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.