Reduce the Leading Causes of Injuries and Fatalities
Every June in the United States most people are getting ready for barbecues, beaches and summertime fun. However, individuals in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) industry are ramping up for National Safety Month.
National Safety Month is aimed at reducing the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace, on the road, and in our homes and communities. This month is a reminder that we all need to make safe decisions individually to protect ourselves and those we care about. There is a different safety emphasis each week in the month of June as follows:
- Week 1: Emergency Preparedness
- Week 2: Wellness
- Week 3: Falls
- Week 4: Driving
Accidents at home, on the road, and in the workplace cause injuries and deaths in the United States every year. In order to bring awareness and promote safety, the American Safety Institute (ASI) has designated June as National Safety Month. Concentration is on four major areas of safety including emergency preparedness, wellness, falls, and driving.
Emergency Preparedness
Companies and individuals should be prepared in advance for an emergency. An emergency preparedness plan helps you know what to do should an emergency arise. Individuals should have an emergency kit or go bag that is packed with essentials to get you through a disaster.
Wellness
People can become more aware of their daily nutritional needs and exercise requirements to become fit. In addition to eating a healthy diet and adding exercise to your daily routine, you also need to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Companies can help their employees stay well by providing programs in the workplace. For example, they may provide fitness club memberships to employees for free or at a reduced rate. They should also provide regular breaks and ensure that employees are not overworked.
Falls
Falls are the second most common reason for preventable workplace injuries, second only to vehicle accidents. Falls can happen anywhere including at work, in retail establishments, in restaurants, in schools, and on construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, states that almost one out of four fatal falls at construction sites happen due to falling from a ladder.
Falls can be prevented with proper training, adequate supervision, and use of approved equipment. Companies need to take care to provide a safe environment for their employees. Regular maintenance and inspection is necessary, and employees should be trained to use equipment properly. Supervisors need to manage workers and they should not allow any unsafe practices.
Driving
Traffic accidents are on the rise in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to traffic accidents and they include human errors, weather or road conditions, and mechanical failures. Of the many factors, distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for accidents. Drivers should not use cell phones or other electronic devices while behind the wheel, so they can concentrate on the road.
See this link on the CDC’s website to learn more: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2018/06/04/safety-month-2018/