Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA has designated June 12-18 as “Safe + Sound Week,” calling on organizations of all sizes in a wide range of industries to raise awareness of the value and importance of workplace safety and health programs. Participation can help with the launch of such programs or energize existing ones, the agency notes, underscoring three core elements:
- Management leadership that commits to establishing, maintaining and continually improving a program, while ensuring companion resources are provided.
- Workers who help identify solutions for improvements. A workforce engaged in safety and health programs results in higher productivity, increased job satisfaction and strong worker retention, which combine to increase revenues and lower turnover and recruitment costs.
- A systematic “find and fix” approach that calls upon employers and workers alike to examine their workplaces—proactively and routinely—to identify and address hazards before an injury or illness occurs.
“Our nation has made great strides in raising awareness about the importance of workplace safety, yet more than four million workers suffer serious job-related injuries or illnesses annually. We can do better,” says U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.
Joining OSHA as Safe + Sound Week sponsors are National Safety Council, American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Safety Engineers and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Partners include 85 trade associations, industry and professional groups. Information on how to participate in Safe + Sound Week, ideas for events and resources, and details of events around the country are available here.