Nearly 5,500 workers in the United States died of job-related injuries in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This concerning rise in workplace fatalities marks a 5.7% increase from 2021 and a 15.2% increase from 2020. To address this concern, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has prioritized the following national outreach initiatives:
1 Safe grain storage and handling operations
This year OSHA joined with the National Grain and Feed Association and the Grain Handling Safety Coalition to raise awareness of grain storage and handling operation hazards. Resources to help reduce the risks of engulfment, entrapment, equipment hazards, and combustible dust exposure, and promote safe practices are available at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety.
2 Preventing falls.
The danger of falls is a major hazard in many workplaces, including construction sites. OSHA’s initiatives continue to raise awareness about the need for proper fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets. Employer and employee resources to help start a fall prevention program, identify and prevent fall hazards, and make sure workers are using fall protection when working at heights are available at Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.
3 Reducing heat illnesses.
OSHA continues to educate employers and employees on ways to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat-related death in hot outdoor and indoor work settings. OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign is ongoing, but amps up outreach efforts during warmer months to remind workers to drink plenty of water, take rest breaks in shaded or cool areas, and monitor the heat index as temperatures rise. Educational resources are available on OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention website.
4 Emphasizing safety and health programs.
A key OSHA outreach initiative program, the Safe + Sound Campaign, aims to recognize companies that have successful workplace safety and health programs. It also helps organizations start or energize an existing safety and health program. Resources highlight the need to have safety and health management systems in place to find and fix hazards that can lead to workplace accidents. Businesses of all sizes and industries are encouraged to join the campaign and show their commitment to safety during the week of August 12-18, 2024.
5 Suicide prevention.
Suicide is a serious public health issue that deeply affects individuals, families, and workplaces. It is often linked to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as substance abuse problems, including opioid addiction. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the construction industry, one of the ways OSHA will focus its efforts is by encouraging companies to participate in Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 9-13, 2024. OSHA will conduct targeted outreach and provide tailored resources to construction workers, employers, and stakeholders. By raising awareness, offering resources, and encouraging open conversations, OSHA aims to contribute to the collective effort to prevent the complex issue of suicide.
Employers and employees can get more information on these and many other workplace safety topics by downloading or streaming DWC’s free publications and videos, or by contacting a DWC Workplace Safety training instructor at 800-252-7031, option 2, or safetytraining@tdi.texas.gov.