Is your workplace Safe and Sound?
No matter where your business is on safety and health, initiating a program or energizing an existing one can help you take a step in the right direction.
Each year, more than four million workers suffer from serious job-related injuries or illnesses, and more than 4,000 Americans die from work-related incidents. These incidents don’t just hurt workers and their families, they hurt businesses as well. Whether at large organizations, medium-sized employers, or small businesses, safety and health programs can improve businesses’ safety and health performance, save money, enhance your reputation, and help you be more competitive.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) holds a nationwide event each August called Safe and Sound Week, which promotes the importance of companies incorporating safety and health programs into their workplace. This year, the event runs Aug. 15-21, 2022. The event highlights employers’ successful workplace safety and health programs. It provides program resources employers can use to keep their workers and workplace safe. Some examples of resources offered are:
- Brochures
- Webinars
- Safety and health program course offerings
- OSHA safety and health program practice guidance
Why Participate?
Employers that participate in the Safe and Sound event receive invaluable help from the resources provided when it comes to jumpstarting their safety and health programs. What’s more, businesses participating in the event have the opportunity to enhance their existing programs and share their safety successes with an audience. By participating in Safe and Sound, employers proactively engage in safety activities and programs, thereby increasing safety awareness and their ability to identify and reduce hazards.
Who Participates?
Organizations of any size or industry looking to hone their safety awareness and get recognized for their commitment to safety are welcome to participate in Safe and Sound. Last year more than 5,300 businesses participated in Safe and Sound Week to raise awareness about workers’ health and safety.
Business leaders are encouraged to share their commitment to safety and health with workers on a regular basis. They can do this by:
- Establishing a visible presence within the organization
- Delivering a safety and health message
- Publicizing their commitment to safety
Some ways a business can get workers to participate include:
- Listening and asking for feedback
- Recognizing workers for their contribution to workplace safety
- Empowering workers with safety and health information
Responsible employers manage safety in the workplace. To get involved, visit the Safe and Sound website and select activities to participate in. Once the event is over, employers can download a certificate and web badge off the website to recognize their organization’s and workers’ participation.
