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May 2022 • Safety & Health Information for Wisconsin Employers & Organizations |
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Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (DOL/BLS). Those deaths were preventable.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Campaign raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Occupational Research Agenda's (NORA) Construction Sector since 2012 on the annual joint Fall Prevention Campaign efforts to raise awareness among workers and employers about common fall hazards in construction, and how falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented.
Visit the OSHA website for more details on how to join in and partner with OSHA on the campaign.
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May is National Electric Safety Month. The year 2020 year saw 126 workplace electrical fatalities, which was a 24 percent decrease from the 166 workplace electrical fatalities in 2019, according to BLS data on the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) website. Note also that there have been 3,114 workplace electrical fatalities since 2003. Electrical safety is an ongoing compliance priority for the OSHA Construction Focus Four training program.
This year’s month-long campaign theme is “Energy Resilience,” which delves into emerging technologies and examines how emerging electrical technologies can provide safe and efficient energy resilience to homes and businesses.
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May is National Water Safety Month. As we emerge from the winter doldrums and with the onset of warmer weather, it is human nature to turn our attention to and flock toward waterfront recreational activities. These include water and boating safety.
National Safe Boating Week is also observed May 22-28. For more information visit the Safe Boating Week Campaign. Free boating safety resources can be found year round at the National Safe Boating Council's Safe Boating Council Resources page.
Also with warm weather, our two wheel enthusiasts should check out their respective month of May safety awareness campaigns:
The month of May also recognizes our Fire/Police/EMS/Trauma first responders, with May 4 leading off as International Fire Fighters (IFFD) recognition day. Additional information honoring each organization can be accessed at their respective websites:
- May 4: International Fire Fighters Day (IFFD) - International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on May 4. On this date you are invited to remember firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. At the same time, we can show our support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year.
- May 15-21: National Police Week - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.
- May 15-21: National EMS Week - EMS Week, which is co-led by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, honors the vital role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals in helping the nearly 20,000 cities, towns, and villages across our country. EMS Week seeks to educate the public and stakeholders about pre-hospital medicine and the services provided by EMS to the community.
- May: Trauma Awareness Month - the American Trauma Society (ATS) serves as an advocate for trauma care systems, trauma prevention programs, and the victims of trauma and their families throughout the United States. The goals of ATS are to prevent injury whenever possible, and to ensure optimal treatment of trauma when it does occur.
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As a look ahead, June is National Safety Council "National Safety Month." The first week in June is also American Heart Association and Red Cross National CPR and AED Awareness Week. June also observes OSHA & National Underground Contractors Association's Trench Safety Stand-Down Week and Wisconsin Heat Awareness and Lightning Safety Days. More information to follow as we approach June.
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Dave Leix is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Safety & Risk Manager for the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – Worker's Compensation Division. Dave brings over 40 years of professional safety and health (EHS) consulting and managerial experience to a wide variety of customers and clients. Read more about Dave on the DWD website.
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