In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) established June as National Safety Month to increase awareness of health and safety risks to decrease injuries and deaths among workers in the United States. Worksite safety risks can be exceptionally high in the summer months, given that problems from excessive heat, sun exposure, and dehydration can be more prevalent. So, while various safety issues are covered, summer safety tips can be a particular focus in some industries.
NSC provides free resources to help you create a culture of safety where everyone can play a part in June and the other 11 months. The month-long observance focuses on different safety topics each week, and these topics change each year. Given that most workplace incidents that result in hospitalizations, injuries, illnesses, or deaths are preventable with proper safety precautions, paying extra attention for June can help make workplace safety a habit in your organization and keep everyone safe for the rest of the year.
2022 National Safety Month Topics
Four weeks in June means four different topics focused, one for each week. NSC will offer resources for each topic as the weeks come up and before June 1st.
Week One: Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders like repetitive strain and ergonomic injuries might not seem like a huge deal compared to other hazards, but they're still a leading cause of workplace injuries. MSDs cost organizations billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and workers' compensation, being uncomfortable and potentially resulting in more extreme injuries. This week focuses on the resources, tools, and strategies to help you balance productivity with ergonomics.
Week Two: Workplace Impairment
Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances on the job is a safety risk for everyone on-site, but mental distress, stress, and fatigue can impair a worker's functionality, reducing productivity and opening the job site up to more risks. Learn more about the technology to monitor fatigue and impairment, how you as a leader can foster mental well-being on the job, and how to recognize and respond to impairment at work, no matter what form it takes.
Week Three: Injury Prevention
Millions of U.S. workers sustain injuries at work that require medical attention. Halfway through the month, you’ll focus on approaches and tools that can help prevent injuries and deaths, including ways to assess workplace safety, hazards, and risks.
Week Four: Slips, Trips, and Falls
Almost every industry has the potential for slips, trips, and falls, and it's the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. Falls aren't just a risk for workers on ladders (although obviously, they're at risk, too). For the final week of National Safety Month, learn about the fall protection technology and tools that are helping to reduce slips, trips, and falls, as well as falls from heights.
Creating a Workplace Safety Culture
Safety culture in an organization will place a high level of importance on safety-based beliefs, values, and attitudes shared among the majority of people in the organization. A positive safety culture starts from the top and helps workers feel supported. Participating in events like National Safety Month and keeping those lessons at the front of your mind all year long is a great way to create and nurture a positive workplace safety culture. Workers who are encouraged to be mindful of themselves and others are less likely to be injured at work due to increased awareness, positive attitude, and accountability.
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