Did you know that April 4-10 is National Public Health Week? That's right, five whole days dedicated to public health. While each day focuses on something a little different, here at the NWCOHS we're most excited for Tuesday's focus on Worker Safety!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Did you know that April 4-10 is National Public Health Week? That's right, five whole days dedicated to public health. While each day focuses on something a little different, here over at the NWCOHS we're most excited for Tuesday's focus on Worker Safety!
With employers and employees working together, a safer work environment can be built. While its great to look at the big picture, starting off small can make it easier to implement safer practices at work on a daily basis.
Here are a few tips from APHA:
Employers start small...
- Understand and follow all workplace safety regulations and best practices. Go beyond the minimum required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Educate employees about workplace regulations and train employees to recognize unsafe or unhealthy settings. Create an employee reporting system to allow workers to report hazardous working conditions.
- Create safe work environments by identifying and fixing workplace hazards such as unstable surfaces and malfunctioning vehicles.
- Promote workplace safety by offering tips on your company bulletin board, website or newsletter.
- Conduct personal safety training programs that teach employees how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent workplace situations.
Employees start small…
- Wear all personal protective equipment required or recommended for your occupation.
- Participate in worksite safety trainings programs and follow all workplace laws and safety rules.
- Ensure vision is not obstructed when operating heavy machinery.
- Hold a brown-bag lunch at work to focus on workplace safety.
- Use your rights to advocate for safety and health.
Think big…
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about the importance of preventing workplace injuries during National Public Health Week (NPHW) and beyond.
- Invite local policymakers and others to a community roundtable to discuss injury prevention in the workplace and follow-up with specific actions.
- Support your family, friends and neighbors when they try to improve health and safety at their workplace.
For more information on National Public Health Week go here.
