"We urge everyone to join us in supporting NAOSH week as it focuses national attention on how to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses," James "Skipper" Kendrick, CSP, president of the American Society of Safety Engineers, said. "It's a good opportunity to highlight the benefits of businesses investing in effective safety, health and environmental (SH&E) programs and, the positive impact it has on the economy, as well as the significant role SH&E professionals play in keeping workplaces safe and workers healthy."
Every year, more than 5,000 people die in the United States from job-related injuries and tens of thousands more die from occupational disease. Transportation incidents are the number one cause of on-the-job deaths. During NAOSH week, ASSE, its members and partners will work to educate the public on what is being done and can be done to prevent these tragedies. Some of the tools they will use include ASSE's free brochures titled "ASSE's Workplace Safety Guide for New Workers" and "ASSE's Hazardous Materials Safety Information Guide."
As part of the NAOSH week celebration, on Tuesday, May 4, ASSE will host a breakfast/news conference from 7-9:00 a.m. at the coal mine, Old Ben #17 exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago where a new federal safety product for coal miners will be unveiled along with key information on best practices and the return on investment in safety. With the increase in demand for energy, especially coal, ASSE will be reminding energy businesses that in the rush to meet that demand they should not disregard safety.
For further information about NAOSH week, visit ASSE at www.asse.org.