This year the NSC (National Safety Council) celebrated 100 years of safety during June (National Safety Month). Way to go, NSC!
The NSC chose “Safety Starts with Me” as the theme for this year. Wow, what an excellent theme! Safety is such an important part in every company. The NSC says it perfectly on their website, “safety is a journey, not a destination”. Safety and wellness should not only be incorporated at the workplace, but also at home. Understanding the importance of safety at home and in your work place should be on the top any company’s list. Here are just a few summer safety tips that we believe are important for your employees and their families:
1) It is important for employees to take care of their families. Never leave a child unattended near water. Not for a few minutes, not for 1 minute, not for a few seconds. In 2010, nearly 3,600 deaths were a result of drowning. (1)
2) Enjoy the summertime sunshine, but don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash are possible when you become overexerted in the heat. (Check out OSHA’s new smartphone application and an employer guide to using the heat index!) (2)
3) And while we are on the topic of sweet summer sunshine, don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen (even in a vehicle)! Most cars, trucks, and SUVs have “laminated windshields that filter out ultraviolet light. However, rear and side windows are typically made of non-laminated glass, which filters out UVB light, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn — but not UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply and also cause harm.” (3)
4) We know it is hot, but don’t be a hot headed driver. “Aggressive or improper driving is a factor in nearly 60 percent of all fatal accidents, and includes behaviors such as speeding, frequent and unnecessary lane changes, tailgating and running red or yellow lights.” (1)
5) Last, but certainly not least, fire safety. We all love barbeques, bonfires, and fireworks, but remember to be smart around fire. In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 8,600 people treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, 39 percent of whom were under 15 years of age. (1)
Employee safety at home and at the work place not only benefits the employee, it benefits the entire company. Be sure to read and share some of these helpful hints around the office!
(1) http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx
(2) http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html
(3) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/health/05really.html?_r=0