Safety and health programs play a vital part in any business, but especially in industries such as construction and manufacturing. To help bring awareness to the importance of safety and health at the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is spearheading the inaugural Safe + Sound Week this June 12-18, 2017. Over 70 employee- and safety-related organizations are supporting this worthy endeavor.
Why Safe + Sound Week?
Employee health and safety should be a priority for any company. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than four million workers suffer from serious job-related injuries or illnesses each year. And over 4,000 Americans die from work-related incidents annually. Here are a few other statistics to consider:
- A 2015 OSHA study found that the manufacturing industry had the highest proportion of accidents – accounting for 57% of all amputations and 26% of all hospitalizations.
- The same study (which only included federal OSHA states) discovered there were 10,388 incidents involving severe work-related injuries, including 7,636 hospitalizations and 2,644 amputations in 2015. That translates to 30 work-related severe injuries each day.
- One in ten construction workers are injured every year. (OSHA)
The Good News
It’s easy to get bogged down in the negative numbers, so we wanted to share some positive information as well. Businesses must keep in mind that most of the hazards that lead to the injuries listed above are not only well-understood, but preventable. Efforts like OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week can only add to that awareness and hopefully reduce severe workplace injuries. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration reports that road construction fatalities have declined 35% since 2005.
Instilling a strong safety and health culture at the workplace also helps a company’s bottom line. OSHA estimates businesses can save anywhere from $4-$6 for every $1 they invest in a workplace safety and health program, employee safety training and following relevant OSHA or state guidelines.
Amerisure encourages construction, manufacturing, healthcare and other industries to help raise awareness by participating in this very first Safe + Sound Week. Visit OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week web page to learn more about it and find related events near you.
