Everyone can play a role in minimizing workplace risks that lead to injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) encourages involvement in Safe + Sound Week, an annual workplace safety campaign spearheaded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The nationwide event takes place Aug. 15-21.

More than 1,300 businesses have already registered online to join the event, which recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and provides information on how to keep America’s workers safe.

“It’s easy to take for granted that our family members will return home safe and healthy at the end of the workday,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “That is far from a guarantee, and employers must recognize the value of safety and health management systems to protect workers across all industries.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5,000 workers are killed each year on the job (a rate of 14 per day) and more than 3.6 million suffer a serious job-related injury or illness. ASSP’s 36,000 members help organizations around the world implement safety and health programs to proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they lead to problems. The results are increased sustainability, higher employee satisfaction and an improved bottom line for businesses.

“The Safe + Sound campaign draws attention to the responsibility we all have to make our workplaces safer, and we’re proud to be a partner in that effort,” Sullivan said.

Join ASSP’s social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook to share resources and bring value to the OSHA campaign by using #SafeAndSoundAtWork.