Honoring Workers’ Memorial Day

Despite the many safety measures required by law, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were 5,190 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2021.

That number was up from most recent years and represents a worker dying every 101 minutes. Transportation-related fatalities were by far the most common at nearly 40 percent. Falls/slips/trips were the next most common cause, with violence, contact with objects or equipment, and exposure to harmful substances or environments close behind.

The industry with the highest fatal injury rate was logging, followed by fishing/hunting, roofers, pilots and iron/steel workers.

Workers’ Memorial Day is held each April 28 to remember those who have been lost on the job and encourage us to think of ways we all can help achieve the goal of safer and healthier workplaces.

Although some industries require more safety precautions than others, it is every employer and employee’s responsibility to take workplace safety seriously. That looks differently in every workplace, but there are some common threads to keep in mind across many or all workplaces.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration provides a quick start guide to help businesses be in compliance with OSHA requirements and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. It also provides extensive safety-related information in the safety section of its site, as well as recommended practices for safety management.

In particular, OSHA’s booklet titled Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs offers a useful summary of best practices.

OSHA reports a renewed or enhanced focus on safety and health and cooperation between workers and employers has been linked to improved quality, morale, recruiting, retention and reputation.

OSHA also offers this list of recommendations to get a safety program rolling in any workplace:

1. Set safety and health as a top priority
2. Lead by example
3. Implement a reporting system
4. Provide training
5. Conduct inspections
6. Collect hazard control ideas
7. Implement hazard controls
8. Address emergencies
9. Seek input on workplace changes
10. Make improvements

Your workplace’s safety needs will depend on many factors, but, in any case, your Kimball Midwest sales representative would be glad to review our safety offerings with you to help determine which ones are right for you. If you don’t have a rep, let us help you