National Safety Month: Reducing Preventable Injuries and Deaths

Every June, National Safety Month reminds us that many injuries and deaths are preventable, whether at work, at home, or on the road. While safety should be a priority throughout the year, this annual initiative gives everyone a chance to slow down, evaluate risks, and take steps to mitigate them. Job site injuries, car accidents, and other incidents can be life-altering and are all too common. 

However, with the right strategies and systems, it’s possible to reduce their frequency and create safer workplaces, homes, and communities. At Safety Plus, we put safety first all year long, and we’re proud to help raise awareness and reduce incidents at your place of business.

What Is National Safety Month?

Led by the National Safety Council, National Safety Month brings awareness to common hazards at work, home, and within communities. Since launching the month-long campaign in 1996, the NSC has provided free safety resources and action steps to help prevent and reduce accidents. 

By spotlighting safety, the NSC aims to reduce the incidence of preventable injuries and deaths. As of 2023, such incidents are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. 

Injuries can occur anywhere, from job sites to highways to kitchens. In the workplace, these incidents can lead to significant medical and legal expenses, workers’ compensation claims, higher insurance premiums, and indirect costs like lost productivity. By prioritizing safety programs, businesses can reduce incident rates, lower their costs, and boost employee morale and engagement — all while creating a culture of safety where everyone feels secure in their jobs.

Leading Causes of Preventable Injuries and How To Address Them

How do preventable injuries happen? Among the top causes in the United States are poisoning, motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns, and overexertion. Here are some common scenarios where these types of injuries may occur and how Safety Plus helps address risks.

Workplace Hazards

Every workplace has different risks, depending on the industry and work environment. Some industries, like construction and manufacturing, are more risk-prone. Working with heavy equipment and navigating around dynamic job sites can lead to slips, trips, falls, and equipment misuse.

Safety Plus’ customizable safety programs, incident tracking software, and hazard assessments enable employers to reduce risks and respond quickly when incidents occur.

Roadway Accidents

As the leading cause of death for those 5 to 29 years old, road traffic injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Speeding (every 1% increase in mean speed increases the risk of fatal crashes by 4%, according to the World Health Organization)
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to use safety gear like seatbelts and motorcycle helmets
• Distracted driving behaviors like texting or using a phone while driving
• Unsafe road infrastructure or vehicles

At Safety Plus, we offer driver safety training and fleet policy management tools to help organizations keep drivers, passengers, and everyone else safe on the road.

Supporting Safety Year-Round

Whether you’re looking to implement new workplace safety initiatives or want to fine-tune your existing program, Safety Plus offers a range of tools and services:

• Customized safety plan development, tailored to your industry’s standards and your business’s processes 
• Real-time hazard reporting to empower people to identify and report safety issues
• Mobile-friendly access to our learning management system, with access to over 70 employee safety training videos on equipment handling, fall prevention, and more
• Proactive strategies to help prevent OSHA citations and reduce insurance premiums 
• A partnership spotlight program designed to provide our customers with expanded access to expert advice.

With these resources, you can use safety awareness month to kickstart year-round improved safety programs at work, home, and beyond.

Join the Safety Movement

National Safety Month is a great time to assess where your safety protocols stand and how they could improve. Gather momentum throughout the month, and then take the next step by scheduling a safety training session or hazard assessment. Remember, the changes you make today could prevent tragic accidents later.

Ready to explore how Safety Plus can help you implement safety best practices? Contact us today to request a consultation and learn how Safety Plus can support your safety initiatives year-round.