OSHA has designated June 12 through 18 as Safe + Sound Week in a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety programs.
More than 85 trade associations, industry and professional groups are partnering with the agency in the initiative including the National Safety Council, American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Safety Engineers and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
“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,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.
The goal of Safe + Sound Week is to encourage companies to seek help either creating a safety and health program or “energize” existing programs, according to the agency.
OSHA lists three core elements that are key to an effective program or initiative:
- Management leadership that commits to establishing, maintaining and continually improving the program. Managers also must provide needed resources to support the program.
- Workers who help identify solutions for improvements. A workforce engaged in safety and health programs result 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.
Information on how to participate in Safe + Sound Week, ideas for events and resources, and details of planned events around the country are available on the OSHA website.