June 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the NSM (National Safety Month), the time of year when individuals and organizations gather to raise awareness of potential hazards and safety practices on the road, at work and at home.
Current statistics remain a concern, as workplaces hadhigher numbers of preventable accidental deaths and injuries in 2020 than previous years, despite the reduced physical workload during the new normal.
Additionally, the new normal brings about a novel wave of safety considerations, including routine sanitization, disinfection and social distancing. As such, National Safety Month observance is now more important than ever.
Organizations and employees may join the NSC (National Safety Council) in observing National Safety Month by focusing on four main themes in 2021. These include preventing accidents; addressing the ongoing pandemic concerns; providing employees with the safety and freedom to express themselves; and advancing the organization’s overall safety journey.
Decision-makers and safety managers may arrange regular discussion sessions that address specific safety concerns at the workplace. The practice enables teams to update the safety culture consistently, keep individuals abreast of the latest precautions, and gain valuable feedback and insights from employees to improve current systems.
By holding regular safety meetings, teams can effectively identify and resolve common pain points in safety while adhering to the latest industry standards.
The NSC has an ongoing campaign that encourages individuals and organizations to honor safety workers with a generous donation. Partnering organization Velocity EHS will match each donated sum up to $25,000 to recognize the brave service provided by these individuals. Every donation will serve to further the NSC’s mission to save and protect lives at worksites nationwide.
In addition, organizational leaders may implement awards and special recognition for teams who go above and beyond in maintaining the highest safety standards. These measures can help organizations develop and encourage a culture of safety and protection with long-term benefits.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requires proper fitting for optimal defense. Organizational leaders and safety supervisors should conduct checks to ensure each employee has the perfect fit and replace any unsuitable pieces. PPE evaluated should include goggles, hard hats, boots, respirators, gloves and other protective gear routinely worn by employees.
Organizational leaders and safety supervisors may distribute informative safety pamphlets, brochures and graphics to staff via email. Alternatively, leaders may print informative materials and display them at frequently accessed common areas such as watercooler zones, toilet corridors and pantries.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a federal regulatory body that oversees safety standards at the workplace. This body maintains the highest standards by providing insightful workplace seminars, training, assistance and safety inspections. Employers can reduce workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries, and help prevent lawsuits, by reaching out to an OSHA representative.
Specifically, OSHA offers a set of workplace guidelines titled “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs.” The recently updated document outlines a step-by-step approach to implementing health and safety programs in the workplace. While traditional programs focus on reactive practices, OSHA recommends a preventive approach, eliminating the hazards and risks rather than mitigating the consequences.
Small- and medium-sized businesses may arrange for an OSHA on-site consultation without cost. Employers can look forward to insightful discussions without penalties or citations, as these sessions are not enforcement acts. Instead, consultants will carefully guide employers through the most common workplace dangers; improve current safety and health programs; and help companies reach and maintain OSHA compliance.
Every workplace has a unique set of operational procedures and protocols. An OSHA on-site visit will address these specific needs and come up with the most effective safety program. In addition, a consultation can significantly reduce the risks of workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, resulting in fewer lawsuits, lowered medical costs, raised morale and increased productivity.
The NSM event also extends to personal accidents. Specifically, National Safety Month is a time for individuals to revisit traffic precautions as motorists and pedestrians. According to the NSC, traffic deaths in the U.S.rose by 8% despite fewer miles traveled during the pandemic. Communities may consider conducting informative talks on traffic safety rules, legal rights and the processes involved in personal injury claims.
Speakers may hold these informative talk sessions at various locations, such as community clubs, neighborhood schools and corporate offices, to spread the information across diverse demographics. By collectively raising awareness, more members of society can take precautions to avoid the dangers on the road and create a safer environment for all.
In legal terms, personal injury refers to any form of physical, emotional, or psychological damage caused by another person, potentially resulting in lawsuits. When in doubt, individuals should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand their rights, entitlements and steps they need to take following an accident.
Bennett Injury Law is a Texas-based personal injury plaintiff law firm specializing in motor vehicle crashes and workplace injuries. We have represented clients from various backgrounds, using the tools of the law to provide them with the best outcome. Reach out to us for a free consultation if you suspect a case or wish to learn more about your personal injury rights.
Charles Bennett is a Plaintiff’s trial attorney and trial consultant based in Dallas, Texas. His law firm, Bennett Injury Law, is a personal injury plaintiff’s law firm that specializes in 18-Wheeler and Commercial crashes, Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Damage, Motor Vehicle Crashes, and Workplace Injuries. Cases Charles has consulted on in 2019 have won over $35M in verdicts.