Most workplace accidents are entirely preventable regardless of how dangerous a job may be. In 2020, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported 4,113 fatal workplace injuries that could have been prevented with proper safety protocols. All it takes is a few extra steps to save a life.
Safety programs are essential to protecting workers in all industries. To help encourage workplaces nationwide to increase their safety practices, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes Safe + Sound Week every August. This safety initiative, held from August 15-21, recognizes workplaces that successfully implement programs that prioritize workers' safety and protect these hardworking individuals from preventable harm.
The Importance of Safe + Sound Week to CT Workers
Safety programs are required in every industry, differing in specificities based on the tasks and hazards associated with each job. Safe + Sound Week highlights the crucial part safety plans play in a worker's life and encourages workplaces to create the most effective policies for their occupation.
Safety plans help workers in the following ways:
- Instruction on how to safely perform each task.
- Education on the dangers of each job and how to avoid injury.
- Training how to react safely in an emergency to protect themselves and others.
Connecticut workplaces participating in Safe + Sound Week show workers that their well-being matters. When employees feel valued, they value their workplace in return, creating a culture of safety and genuine care between employees and their supervisors.
Who Can Participate in Safe + Sound Week?
Any organization can participate in Safe + Sound Week – the more, the better! Each industry has its own measures to protect employees, some more than others. The occupations that would benefit most from Safe + Sound Week, derived from the OSHA's list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs, include:
- Fishing and hunting
- Logging
- Roofing
- Construction
- Piloting and flight engineering
- Waste management and recycling
- Iron and steel work
- Delivery truck driving
- Mining and machine operations
- Farming and agriculture
How to Participate in Safe + Sound
A total of 1,353 organizations have signed up to participate in Safe + Sound Week 2022 so far, 11 of which are located in Connecticut. Participating in this safety initiative is a simple three-step process:
- Sign Up: Register your organization for the safety week by choosing whether you are hosting a private or public event.
- Plan and Promote: Plan activities and events at your workplace to promote Safe + Sound Week with just employees or include their families and the community. You can find examples of activities and free graphics to help promote the event under the Develop Your Safety Program tab on the Safe + Sound page.
Recognize Your Workplace: Make sure you are celebrating your participation in Safe + Sound Week and the excellent work your workplace is doing to extend the value of safety throughout the year. Organizations can download a virtual challenge coin for their website or a printable certificate when they sign up.
Jacobs & Wallace Workplace Accident Attorneys
Workplace accidents are mostly preventable when proper safety policies and programs are in place. These programs and training are essential to employee safety at work; preventable accidents will occur when they are absent.
If you or someone you love is injured on the job, you need an experienced law firm to represent you. Jacobs & Wallace, PLLC, has decades of experience fighting for the rights of Connecticut’s injured workers. Please contact us today for a FREE case evaluation: 203-332-7700.
