On Aug. 15-21, 2022, OSHA is holding its annual Safe + Sound Week. This nationwide event recognizes successful workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas to improve workplace safety.
Although workplace incidents involving injuries or fatalities have decline 60% in the past four decades, the United States still sees more than 3.6 million serious job-related injuries or illnesses and more than 5,000 on-the-job deaths, according to OSHA. Having a health and safety program in place is one important way businesses can help prevent such incidents.
“Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your program started, energize an existing one, or provide a chance to recognize your safety successes,” according to OSHA.
The agency’s website offers a number of resources such as fact sheets and tips to help businesses implement a health and safety program, achieve management buy-in, improve employee participation and find and fix hazards. Other organizations such as the National Safety Council also offer resources to help promote workplace safety.
“All organizations looking for an opportunity to recognize their commitment to safety are welcome to participate,” according to OSHA.
Organizations can be of any size and from any industry. In 2021, more than 5,300 organizations participated by holding Safe + Sound Week events, and as of Aug. 16, more than 2,300 organizations have signed up to participate in 2022.
In addition to Safe + Sound Week, OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign operates year-round to encourage the development of new health and safety programs, strengthen existing ones and celebrate past successes.