In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) began the annual observance in June of National Safety Month- a time to re-evaluate safety procedures and the many ways to prevent injury or death. According to the NSC, preventable injuries are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Therefore, taking time to talk about safety and ways to prevent injuries is time well spent.
Each week of June focuses on different safety topics. June 1-8 is safety engagement; June 9-15 is roadway safety; June 16-22 is risk reduction; and June 23-30 is slips, trips, and falls.
“Tragedies often remind us of what is important and the simple steps that could have been taken to prevent them,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The best way to start a safety program and start preventing injuries is to dive in with the following practices by OSHA:
- Set safety and health as the top priority. Assure workers that any hazards found will be rectified.
- Practice safe behaviors and make safety part of daily conversations.
- Develop and communicate a simple system for workers to report injuries, illnesses, hazards, or safety concerns.
- Provide training to workers on how to identify and control hazards.
- Inspect job sites with workers, using safety checklists, and ask them to identify any equipment or activity that is a concern.
- Talk with workers about ways to improve safety on a project.
- Have workers choose, implement, and evaluate hazard solutions.
- Identify and discuss potential emergencies and develop instructions for how to respond in emergencies. Post the procedures in a visible location.
- Plan and set aside time to regularly discuss safety issues and ways to improve the program.
Additional resources and information for preventing injuries can be found at www.osha.gov and www.nsc.org. Safety equipment and tagout forms can be obtained at any of United Tool and Fastener’s three showrooms in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or College Station at 979-731-8665.
