June is National Safety Month

Join the National Safety Council in June for National Safety Month – the annual campaign to help everyone identify and take action about workplace safety issues. Throughout the month, NSC releases free safety resources to help you create and maintain a culture of safety at your workplace.

Topics this year are:

The NSC offers resources from social media graphics and posts to fact sheets on each topic. NSC members can access additional National Safety Month materials, as well. Here’s a quick look at this year’s topics – and some info that may surprise you.

Week 1: Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. Work-related MSDs are caused when the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition; and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions.

Common causes of MSDs include bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting, overexertion or repetitive motion. Common MSDs include:

  • Sprains, strains, and tears
  • Back pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Numbness in fingers
  • Tingling in legs
  • Hernia

MSDs are a leading cause of work-related injuries – costing billions of dollars every year in workers comp and lost productivity.

Week 2: Workplace Impairment

Impairment in the workplace can be caused by stress, fatigue, alcohol, prescription drugs, cannabis or mental distress. To help keep your workplace safe, the NSC recommends:

  • Spot the signs
  • Start a conversation
  • Ask for assistance
  • Know your policies

Week 3: Injury Prevention

Paying attention to surroundings goes a long way toward preventing injuries. The NSC reports that 4 million work-related injuries required medical attention in 2020, resulting in more than $640 billion in costs. The NSC recommends:

  • Train yourself to spot hazards
  • Avoid distracted walking
  • Check areas for exposed cords
  • Stack materials securely so they won’t falls
  • Close open drawers
  • Replace burnt-out lighting

Week 4: Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injury from retail stores to construction sites and everywhere in between. Maybe that’s why falls on the same level are a leading cause of days away from work every year. The NSC recommends these steps to help prevent injuries:

  • Watch where you’re going
  • Don’t rush in high-traffic areas
  • Don’t be distracted by conversations or phones
  • Keep your line of vision clear

This is just a recap of safety information available from the NSC during this year’s National Safety Month. Check the resources below to learn more – and have a safe month every month.

National Safety Month Resources: