Keeping the workplace safe is absolutely paramount, and the National Safety Council continues to be dedicated to saving lives and preventing injuries wherever they occur.
The National Safety Council (NSC) celebrates June as National Safety Month. Since 1996, National Safety Month has acted as a national observance to promote workplace safety awareness.
The NSC notes that the U.S. is seeing more workplace deaths since 2007, with 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019. Companies need to protect workers – whether they work in person or remotely, and this is especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSC offers many resources every year so that any organization can organize a successful Safety Month campaign. As it gets closer to June, the NSC will post the weekly themes for National Safety Month 2021 and provide free materials.
While June is the month where safety is highlighted, this should be a focus and priority all year round.
Create Emergency Procedures
To prepare for any emergency, an employer should create a checklist of steps to follow. These steps should be well envisioned, and it should include backup locations. Fire drills are a great tool for refresher training in June.
Conduct a Lunch and Learn
You can teach about safety by having a lunch and learn (or virtual lunch and learn, if more appropriate). A luncheon creates a team atmosphere, where you can bring safety practices to the attention of your staff. The casual setting can help your employees see this as a proactive measure rather than a punitive one.
Think of Ways to Stay Educated about Workplace Safety
You can educate even the most experienced employees regularly, reducing the risk of injuries, illnesses, and even death. Reflect now on the most important safety topics you wish to teach your employees. Put together a list of the workplace accidents and preventative measures that you and your team can follow to avoid situations like that. Put them in an amenity area, such as the break room.
National Safety Month can help you better understand best workplace safety practices before accidents happen in order to protect your staff’s health and lives. Take the time to examine your safety supplies and your first aid kit or cabinet and refill them whether they be bandages, over-the-counter medicines, cold packs and more. Stay prepared for any emergency or accident, and you will create a better and safer workplace for all.
