A fatal injury occurs every six minutes and a disabling injury occurs every two seconds, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
Every year, unintentional injuries kill more Americans between the ages on one and 44 than any other cause including cancer, heart disease and stroke.
In an effort to promote public awareness and ultimately decrease the number of injuries and deaths, NSC has designated June as National Safety Month.
"The single greatest point we want to make is that all Americans can take steps to reduce their risk of injury," said Jerry Scannell, NSC president. "Through National Safety Month, the council is working to save lives and eliminate injuries in the home, at work, at play and on the highways."
Scannell noted that medical expenses, property damages, employer costs and other expenses related to these injuries and deaths cost Americans an estimated $500 billion each year.
Communities, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals nationwide are being encouraged to participate in the effort by holding a community event or working with their local law enforcement agencies, firefighters and other public groups.
Originated by NSC, this June will be the fifth annual observance of National Safety Month.
Each of the four weeks will focus on a different area of safety.
- June 4-10 Workplace Safety
- June 11-17 Home Safety
- June 18-24 Community Safety
- June 25-July 4 Driving Safety
Activity ideas, fact sheets and other National Safety Month information is available on the Awareness in Motion Web site at www.nsc.org/aware/ nsmonth/htm.
by Virginia Sutcliffe