Building a Safe Workplace: City of Virginia Beach Participates in National Fall Prevention Effort

Each year, accidental falls remain at the top of Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) injury and fatality chart. OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is a week-long event, May 5-9, aimed at raising awareness about fall hazards and promoting safety practices. In support of this initiative, the City of Virginia Beach is continually committed to protecting the safety of all employees and preventing fall-related injuries on the job.  

Commitment to Fall Safety 

The City of Virginia Beach maintains a comprehensive Fall Protection Program that goes beyond compliance. It outlines responsibilities, fall protection requirements and safe work practices, as well as program evaluation and required training. The program also reflects the City’s commitment to providing support and quality safety instruction to all employees. All staff performing tasks requiring fall protection must abide by the program and follow all applicable federal, state and local regulations.  

Training and Awareness 

To reduce risk and improve safety awareness, the City’s Occupational Safety Office provides our employees with various protection training. Topics include: 

• Hazard recognition 

• Equipment setup, inspection and use 

• Proper use of guardrails and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) 

• Material handling while working aloft 

• Applicable safety regulations 

Employees with jobs that may expose them to fall hazards must complete protection training every three years. 

Shared Responsibility 

Every City department is responsible for developing a Fall Protection Plan in coordination with the Occupational Safety Office. These plans are tailored to individual job sites. Managers, supervisors and team leaders work closely with Occupational Safety or authorized personnel to identify and implement the appropriate fall protection systems for each task. 

All who work in fall hazard environments are encouraged to actively participate in this safety initiative. Whether through equipment inspections or onsite training, the National Safety Stand-Down is an opportunity to pause, reflect and reinforce the City’s shared commitment to workplace safety. 

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