Would it surprise you to learn that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are now the third leading cause of death in the United States? It’s true. Look around – just today you might see an apartment pool being drained. Why? One guest broke a glass in the pool, which in turn injured another guest. Or you might notice a person walking four leashed dogs, all of which respond negatively to strangers; therefore, the excited dogs dangerously encircle their owner’s legs with their leashes. An unintentional injury in the making. We thought today would be a good day to discuss the ABCs for National Safety Month.
The History of National Safety Month
June is National Safety Month and its creation dates back to 1996, when the National Safety Council (NSC) chose to increase awareness of safety and health risks. Their goal was to decrease unintentional injuries and resultant deaths.
Importantly, the NSC – a non-profit public service organization – has its roots in the National Council for Industrial Safety, which was founded in 1913. It was in 1914 that the organization changed its name to the National Safety Council, widening its scope to include home and traffic safety, as well as industrial safety. The organization was chartered by Congress in 1953. Its membership is comprised of businesses, schools, labor organizations, private groups, public agencies and individuals.
Someone once said, “Safety is as simple as ABC – Always Be Careful.”
National Safety Month – 2019
Our John Bailey Company team works with clients as they review their commercial and personal insurance needs. Understanding that insurance is a contract which offers protection against financial losses, a commercial insurance policy can protect your business from theft, property damage, liability, and employee injury. Policies for homeowners, renters or automobile owners prepare one for unexpected losses when life happens.
You may recall that in late December 2018, we introduced our Social Community Project. At the time we stated that we believe our “social community project” provides valuable information to our present and future clients, both individuals and business owners, and serves as a way to start the conversation about all things health. What could be more fitting than National Safety Month?
This year’s focus areas for National Safety Month are hazard recognition; slips, trips, falls; fatigue; and impairment. Over the month, each week is dedicated to one of the focus areas. We invite you to take a few minutes to read a post from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Science Blog which addresses each focus area: Celebrate National Safety Month.
National Safety Month – Focus Areas Up Close
It is important to be aware of safety risks and share your observations with your co-workers, family members, friends and neighbors. Spread the word…
• Hazard Recognition – “What do a burnt-out lightbulb, a spill on the floor and poor weather all have in common? They’re everyday hazards we often ignore. Learn to ‘see’ hazards like these during National Safety Month.”
• Slips, trips and falls – “Slips, trips and falls are the 3rd leading cause of workplace death. Get simple tips to prevent hazards on the job during National Safety Month: nsc.org/nsm #NSM”
• Fatigue – “Did you know chronic sleep deprivation can cause depression, obesity and heart disease? Fatigue is more than just being tired.” This sleepiness can cause you to be a hazard both at work and home.
• Impairment – “Legal or illegal. One drink or two. No level of impairment is safe for the road or the workplace. Help spread the message during National Safety Month.”
Remember, ‘together we can eliminate preventable deaths in the workplace’…and at home.
If you are having trouble viewing the video, you can see it here.
In closing, consider these summer recreation safety tips…
If you are a regular reader of the John Bailey Company blog, then you know we often write about recreation from both a commercial business and a consumer’s point of view. As summer begins, we would like to share a recent on-line article from Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). It offers summer recreation safety tips: Recreational Water Safety, Mosquitos, Fireworks, and Skin Cancer.
We are here to help you insure a great life; let’s make safety part of every day.