Do you participate in OSHA activities such as their National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction? The good news is that you don’t need to work in the construction industry to participate in these stand-downs. I suggest checking out these types of events, which are easy to participate in and you get a super spiffy certificate at the end.
One main reason that I really like these events are that it puts an additional focus on a specific safety topic or program. At times, we have a huge list of things to do which may include updating our facility-specific policy, annual training, improving compliance, or reviewing permits. But setting aside time and focus for a specific safety program moves it up the priority list. Because these focused events are usually based on high hazard industries or programs that are more frequently cited by OSHA, it makes it that much more important.
As an EHS Manager, I managed manufacturing sites in Nevada. However, I often found other state-run OSHA programs also offered these events and all states could participate. For example, Arkansas offered an amputation hazard stand-down event that I used to promote guarding improvements. I organized a bunch of activities and as a site we earned a cool certificate from Arkansas OSHA which our team thought was neat.
I also love using organized events to brag about all the awesome things we are doing as a site and as a company. I explain to employees that it is important that we not only improve safety for our employees, but when we show others the things we are doing, we are helping them get better, too.
Here are a few events or activities you can add to your calendar:
April: April 28th is Worker Memorial Day
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/04282021
May: National Stand-down on Falls in Construction
https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down
August: Safe and Sound Week
https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek
June: National Safety Month
September: Arkansas OSHA Amputation Stand-down