Yesterday, several American and Canadian safety and health organizations launched North American Safety & Health (NAOSH) week.

Kickoff events were held in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa throughout the day. The events included speeches, award ceremonies and in the U.S., the announcement of the winners of a national poster contest.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) hosted the events for the U.S., along with representatives from the OSHA and many of its alliance participants. Across the border, events were organized by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the CSSE Eastern Ontario Chapter, Ontario NAOSH Network, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) and a number of other safety associations.

Events this week will focus on showing how safety is good for business. According to an ASSE release, participant groups will be providing information, solutions and best practices throughout NAOSH Week.

ASSE  will also celebrate the annual Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day (OSHP) May 7.