According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5,500 workplace fatalities and over 2.8 million job-related injuries occurred in the last 12 months alone. These findings emphasize how vital it is to promote safety at work.
National Safety Month highlights research and prevention efforts in a themed area throughout each week of June. Here’s an outline of 2024’s topics put together by the National Safety Council (NSC).
Safety Engagement
June 1 – 8
In order for employees to prioritize workplace safety, they need to be engaged. Employers can foster greater safety engagement among their staff by developing interactive training activities, scheduling regular toolbox talks, posting plenty of safety signage on-site and offering a range of written resources (e.g., workplace safety manuals and flyers). Additionally, employers should conduct routine occupational safety audits and reward employees who demonstrate a commitment to injury prevention.
Roadway Safety
June 9 – 15
Having employees operate commercial vehicles poses a variety of potential safety risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle traffic crashes contribute to more than 40,000 fatalities each year. As such, it’s critical for employers to only hire qualified drivers and educate these employees on roadway safety. Specifically, drivers should be instructed to inspect their vehicles before and after each journey, avoid any distractions behind the wheel and comply with all traffic laws.
Risk Reduction
June 16 – 22
While all workplaces share some common safety hazards, specific risks vary based on employers’ operations. That’s why employers need to perform in-depth risk assessments and analyze their unique safety exposures. In doing so, employers can adopt more effective occupational safety measures and better protect their employees on the job. Employers should also encourage their employees to participate in risk reduction by reporting any unaddressed workplace safety issues.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
June 23 – 30
Slips, trips and falls are prevalent injuries across industry lines. What’s worse, falls can sometimes be fatal. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reported that falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related deaths. With this in mind, it’s crucial for employers to identify and mitigate any workplace risks that could cause slips, trips and falls. Further, employees should receive regular training on slip, trip and fall prevention.
Trench Safety Stand Down Week
June 17 – 21
In addition to National Safety Month’s four highlighted topics, there is also Trench Safety Stand Down Week that takes place from June 17th – 21st. This safety training educates employees on trenching hazards at the jobsite.
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation is a high agency priority. Sponsored this year by National Partners United Rentals and Sunstate Equipment Co., NUCA and OSHA have teamed up for the annual trench safety program.
Make plans for your company to participate in the 2024 NUCA Trench Safety Stand Down Week to help educate your employees. Every company or organization that holds a TSSD will receive a certificate of participation, as well as hard-hat stickers for every employee who participated. Recognition will also be given in NUCA publications.
Next Steps
By educating employees on these topics, companies can create healthier and safer environments.
