Since 1996, National Safety Month has been observed and promoted each June raise awareness of the importance of keeping each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. There are increased unintentional injuries and fatalities during the summer months, and according to the most recent data available, more than 4,100 preventable workplace deaths and 4 million injuries occurred in 2020. In 2022, continued threats to public safety and health remain as the impacts of the pandemic continue.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) partners with the National Safety Council (NSC) for the event, created by NSC. “While we all know safety is important year-round, this month we work to highlight efforts to prevent injury and death, from the workplace to anyplace,” says NIOSH on their blog.
NIOSH and NSC are highlighting research and prevention efforts in four themed areas for each week of the month: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); workplace impairment; injury prevention; and slips, trips, and falls.
“We’re up against some of the same safety challenges today as we were 26 years ago, in addition to new and evolving risks,” said Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of NSC. “While safety should be top-of-mind all year, the National Safety Council urges employers and employees alike to focus even more acutely on safety this month. We believe an investment in an increased focus on safety in June – working together, taking safety personally and speaking up to keep each out safe – will pay dividends throughout the year.”
Week by week
1. Week 1: Musculoskeletal Disorders – MSDs are the leading cause of workplace injury and cost billions each year in workers’ compensation and lost productivity.
2. Week 2: Workplace Impairment – Substance use is a safety issue at work, but did you know mental distress, stress and fatigue are also impairing? Impairment poses a risk to every workplace, but addressing it in all its forms can directly support the safety and wellbeing of workers while saving organizations on costs.
3. Week 3: Injury Prevention – In 2020 alone, more than 4 million workplace injuries required medical attention in the United States. Preventing injuries in the workplace can save lives, keep workers safer and save hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
4. Week 4: Slips, Trips and Falls – With falls being the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, we must focus on reducing slips, trips and falls, falls from heights, and discuss how technology can play a role in saving lives
Learn more and find links to download free supporting materials from the NIOSH Science Blog.
