The rate of U.S. worker deaths and reported injuries has decreased by more than 60% since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed four decades ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 5,000 workers or 14 per day, however, are still killed on the job, and more than 3.6 million have had a serious job-related injury or illness.
To safeguard America’s workforce, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) organizes a “Safe + Sound Week” each August to recognize the importance of workplace health and safety programs. For 2020, nearly 3,000 participants nationwide registered for the campaign, which ran between August 10-16.
Through a successful safety and health program, employers can help to protect their workforce from hazards before they lead to injury or illness, according to OSHA. Specifically, safety and health programs can improve productivity, engage workers, help to improve compliance with laws and regulations, reduce workers’ compensation premiums, and enhance overall business operations.
Several electrical and construction organizations supported the program by serving as partners. For example, the supporters include Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC); Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America; Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC); Edison Electric Institute (EEI); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), among several others.
To learn more about the program, visit its website. Also, here is a list of 10 ways you can get your program started.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
