OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK

Across North America, Occupational Health and Safety is in the spotlight during the first full week of May. Employers, employees, and safety organizations come together to improve work environments and celebrate safe habits.

Occupational safety and health protocols protect employees from injury, disease, and death. These protocols are reviewed on a regular basis and upgraded based on the changing needs of the job, employee, and environment. Depending on the workplace, an employee faces various hazards. They may include:

• Physical hazards that place the employee at risk of falls, cuts, electrocution, and other injuries.

• Biological hazards that may cause illness.

• Chemical hazards that may cause poisonings, burns, or other risks to an employee's health.

• Ergonomic hazards that may cause musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive movements, improper posture, or improper assistance.

• Psychological hazards related to work stress may cause mental health issues.

The week is an opportunity to address hazards and maintain comprehensive protocols to prevent and eliminate risk in the workplace.

HOW TO OBSERVE #FocusOnSafety

• Review safety protocols.

• Update training procedures.

• Visit www.naosh.org to find out more.

• Use #FocusOnSafety to share on social media.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK HISTORY

Since 1997, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week has been observed through an agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.