By Benita Mehta,
ISHN Chief Editor
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EDITORIAL
By Benita Mehta,
ISHN Chief Editor
National Safety Month: A Focus on Workplace and Community Well-being
J
une is recognized as National Safety Month, an annual observance established by the National Safety Council (NSC) to highlight the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
Since 1996, the NSC has promoted National Safety Month to encourage safety “from the workplace to anyplace.” The campaign provides a wealth of free resources to help organizations and individuals identify and mitigate risks. These materials often include posters, five-minute safety talks, videos, articles, and statistics.
Each year, National Safety Month focuses on a series of weekly themes. For 2025, the planned topics are:
• Week 1 (June 1-7): Continuous Improvement
• Week 2 (June 8-14): Employee Engagement
•Week 3 (June 15-21): Roadway Safety
• Week 4 (June 22-30): Wellbeing
The overarching goal of the month is to foster a culture of safety that extends beyond the workplace, encouraging individuals to be mindful of safety in their homes and communities as well.
Photo: Su Arslanoglu / E+ / Getty Images
Week 1: Continuous Improvement
Learn from the Past: Pay attention during safety meetings, especially when past incidents or "near misses" are discussed. Think about how you can apply those lessons to your own work.
Suggest a Better Way: If you see a safer way to perform a task or a potential hazard no one has addressed, bring it to your supervisor's attention or use your company's suggestion system. Your fresh perspective is valuable.
Stay Sharp on Training: Don't just go through the motions during safety training. Actively engage, ask questions, and make sure you understand the material. Safety knowledge is your best tool.
Week 2: Employee Engagement
Speak Up (See Something, Say Something): If you see a coworker working unsafely or a hazardous condition, don't ignore it. A friendly reminder or a report to a supervisor could prevent a serious injury.
Be a Safety Mentor: Help newer employees by showing them the safe way to perform their jobs. Your experience can be their best guide.
Participate Actively: Volunteer for the safety committee if your company has one. When you participate in safety drills or meetings, be an active and willing participant. A positive attitude towards safety is contagious.
Week 3: Roadway Safety
Eliminate Distractions: Whether you drive a company vehicle or your own car for work, your only job behind the wheel is to drive. Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and leave it alone.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt: It's the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Never Drive Impaired: This includes being tired, not just under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fatigue slows reaction time just like any other impairment.
Be Cautious in Parking Lots: Be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians when arriving at and leaving work. Parking lot incidents are extremely common.
Week 4: Wellbeing
Protect Your Body (Ergonomics): Lift with your legs, not your back. If something is too heavy or awkward, ask for help or use mechanical assistance. Take short breaks to stretch throughout the day.
Manage Stress and Fatigue: A tired or stressed worker is more likely to make a mistake. Ensure you are getting enough sleep. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to talk to your supervisor or use your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause dizziness and loss of focus. Drink plenty of water throughout your shift, especially if you work in a hot environment or perform strenuous tasks.
Take Your Breaks: Use your scheduled breaks to rest and recharge. Stepping away from your work area for even a few minutes can help you return to your task with renewed focus.
By focusing on these areas, you can help make your workplace safer for yourself and everyone around you, not just in June, but all year long.
June 2025
VOL. 59 NO. 5