June is National Safety Month. The goal of this month is to increase safety awareness and decrease the number of accident-related injuries or deaths. Here are some tips for minimizing risk in your workplace:
- Practice sun safety. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to use SPF 30 or better sunscreen as directed, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider measures to protect staff from excess sun exposure.
- Practice water safety. If any of your staff must work on or near water, make sure they are trained on safety procedures. Boats should always be equipped with life jackets and other safety gear.
- Stay hydrated. Most adults should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. People who are working in the sun or in high temperatures may need to drink even more. Encourage employees who work in these conditions to maintain their hydration throughout the day.
- Report repairs. Are there safety hazards in your workplace? Report them to maintenance or the designated safety representative. Remind employees that it is important to maintain a safe environment at work.
- Hold safety drills. Have periodic weather or other safety drills. Create safety plans for fire, natural disasters, or violent incidents. Ensure that key contributors are clear about how to respond when an incident occurs. Remind employees that it is important to participate in drills, even during busy workdays.
- Safety kits. Make sure each department has a first aid kit and a disaster supply kit and that employees know where they are located. Encourage employees to create their own first aid and disaster safety kits for use in their homes.
- CPR training. Consider offering CPR training to your employees. (Check with your local Red Cross about setting up classes.) Educate employees about what to do if someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke or heart attack.
- Sports safety. If your organization has an official sports team, make sure they have appropriate equipment. If there are sports facilities on site, post rules for safe behavior and enforce them as needed.
- Medication disposal. Make sure the bathrooms at your facility have a sharps disposal container. Educate employees about safe use and disposal of medications.
- Be a community leader. Advocating for safety practices, both at work and at home, is a good way to remind your employees about the importance of safety. In addition, it will enhance your organization’s reputation as an employer of choice within the community.
