We all face risks throughout our lives. The fact is, unintentional injuries have been increasing for decades with the U.S. seeing the highest number of workplace deaths since 2007. In 2019, 5,333 fatal workplace injuries occurred making workplace deaths the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States.
We would like to focus on four topics during this month’s focus on National Safety:
- Prevent Incidents Before They Start: Identifying risks and taking proactive safety measures to reduce hazard exposure on important topics from ergonomics to chemical management is crucial to creating a safe workplace. We, at DP Air, take pride in our focus to workplace safety emphasize education and training.
- Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns: As the pandemic continues, employers and employees play an important role in the return to physical workspaces, mental health and so much more. Some of these physical roles may include using anti-bacterial soap or hand gel, social distancing, staying at home or working from home when one feels ill. Some mental health roles may include eating healthy, drinking water, exercising, spending time outside and more.
- It’s Vital to Feel Safe on the Job: Being able to be one’s self at work without fear of retaliation is necessary for an inclusive safety culture. Leading organizations focus not only on physical safety, but psychological and emotional safety as well. One should always feel that their work environment is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, like speaking up with a question, a concern, an idea or even a mistake.
- Advance Your Safety Journey: Safety is about continuous improvement not only at work, but at home too. The importance of safety doesn’t take a break once the clock strikes 5:00pm and you’re free to leave work. According to the NSC, three times as many employees are injured off the job than while at work. It’s easy to get comfortable in one’s workplace and home, but continuously assessing and adjusting when needed, creates more safety.
Safety culture begins with education and awareness. Individuals that are aware of their surrounding make situations safer for everyone. We at DP Air, encourage everyone to be aware of hazards that surround them, not only at work but at home and during leisure and recreational activities. Be aware and please, stay safe.
