June is National Safety Month!

June is known as National Safety Month. Why not help play a role in educating and influencing others to be safe and act cautiously in and around places where injuries and deaths can be preventable? Make each week of June carry a theme focusing on certain safety precautions that will benefit everyone and their safety!

WEEK 1 Employee Health and Wellness

The main thing for people to remember is that as long as you take care of your body by eating healthy, participating in outdoor and physical activity, and refraining from smoking, then you are already making a huge effort to have good health and wellness. The statistics alone show that by making changes to your diet, exercise and smoking habits, this could help prevent heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes by up to 80% and cancer by up to 40%.  These statistics speak for themselves so make an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables, take a walk at lunch or do some work around the house and yard to get your body moving!

WEEK 2 Ergonomics

Have a work environment that is fit for you and helps you work smarter and safer for your body and overall health. Some examples of bad ergonomics include overexertion while lifting, lowering, pushing or pulling something. It could also include working in awkward positions or standing and sitting for too long. These types of things cause disorders of the body’s soft tissues and the result can be pain, numbness or tenderness, to name a few. So be careful in your work environment and make sure it is safe for you. This is a good thing to remember while doing home projects as well!

WEEK 3 Preventing Trips, Slips and Falls

While people have a tendency to blame falls on being clumsy or not paying attention, there are lots of other aspects that go into reducing the risks of falling and preventing unneeded injuries. Most falls can be preventable so make sure to keep floors and stairways clear and clean, always have good lighting so that you can see where you are walking and always use a sturdy step stool when climbing or reaching for things in high places. These are just a few examples of fall hazards that can be removed and help keep places safer and people uninjured.

WEEK 4 Driving and Road Safety

Traffic increases on the roads during the summer months and all drivers need to be more aware of everyone and everything around them and drive cautiously. Please try to refrain from using your cell phone while driving, because it can cause a huge distraction. Never drink and drive and always avoid driving aggressively. Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating and unnecessary lane changes.

If you follow these tips, you are sure to be on your way to a healthier and safer life style! For more information and even more tips on each of these topics, please visit www.nsc.org/nsc_events/Nat_Safe_Month/Pages/home.aspx?VanUrl=nsm.