In 1970 there was an average of thirty-eight (38) work related fatalities a day. By 2012, that number had decreased to twelve (12). What helped decrease those numbers? Safety awareness. OSHA, with the help of employers, safety and health professions, unions and advocates, have made a tremendous difference in those four decades, helping reduce job injuries, illness and deaths.
Safety: It takes all of us
Each June, the National Safety Council helps remind us that we need to keep bringing awareness to safety issues. This year, the theme is “Safety: It takes all of us”.
It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, where we are located on Earth, or what our names are because safety is as important to every single person that builds our roads to the person working behind the machinery. Yes, even the person behind the desk is at risk for slips or falls. So, how can we work towards a more safe environment?
The National Safety Council has come up with four great safety issues to address every week in June. According to the industry that we belong to, we can modify them. Even five minutes to talk about safety can save a person’s life. Below is a list of the safety issues and a few simple steps to take toward a safer working environment.
June Safety-Related Themes
- Week 1: Prevent prescription drug abuse
- Week 2: Stop slips, trips and falls
- Week 3: Be aware of your surroundings
- Week 4: Put an end to distracted driving
- Bonus Week: Summer Safety
Tips To Know
- Believe it or not, mud is the number one danger for slips, trips and falls. Watch out for mud. If you work around mud, don’t rush but slow down.
- Provide guardrails and toe-boards around every elevated open sided platform, floor or runway. As a worker if you are encountering any problems with balance, traction or grip, use handrails available.
- Work areas should be clean, clutter-free and hazard-free.
- Always take action if you see any unsafe conditions, or any risk-behavior. Hazard Recognition is spotting things that might cause an accident.
- Train workers about the job hazards in a language they can understand.
- Drive safely to and from work (or anywhere, really). This includes driving attentively. Cell phones are the most common distraction for driving.
- Last but not least, talk SAFETY!
Safety Awareness needs to keep happening in the work field to reduce risks. Only then can we keep decreasing the number of injuries and accidental deaths in the workplace.
Resources
http://www.nsc.org/
https://www.osha.gov/