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Safety and Health Information for Wisconsin Employers & Organizations |
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October ushers in the annual National Fire Prevention Week and Month. This year's National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) observance will take place the week of Oct. 8-14. 2023 marks the 101st anniversary of the NFPA's Fire Safety Week. Since 1922, the NFPA has designated the week of October 9th as the public observance of Fire Prevention Week, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began Oct. 8, 1871.
Coincidently, Oct. 8, 1871 is also the date of the massive Peshtigo fire. Fueled by extreme drought and high winds, this horrific fire obliterated the towns of Peshtigo and Brussels, killing about 1,500 people. While lesser known, the Wisconsin Peshtigo fire resulted in approximately 5 times the loss of life as the Great Chicago Fire.
This year’s NFPA Fire Safety Week campaign includes - “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention." Visit the NFPA website Catalog for additional fire safety ideas and resources including work, school, and home fire prevention planning and escape drills.
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The National Safety Council (NSC) and other safety organizations have further designated October as Fire Safety Month, as furnaces, fireplaces and other portable heating appliances commonly come back into use this time of year.
According to First Alert :
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Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.
- Less than 50%of homeowners have an escape plan.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1cause of accidental poisoning in the US.
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60%of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*.
- Only 47%of people report having CO alarms in their home.
- Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires.
During October, communities, private employers, schools and other organizations take part in monthlong exercises of fire safety planning and education. Fire Prevention week/month is also the perfect time to talk with your whole family about fire safety practices, such as testing smoke alarms, changing the batteries every six months – or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, how to use a fire extinguisher (P.A.S.S.), and escape route planning.
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 October is National Protect Your Hearing Month.
Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. Each year, about 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. Over 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to chemicals, some of which are harmful to the ear and hazardous to hearing. Substances including certain pesticides, solvents, and pharmaceuticals that contain ototoxicants can negatively affect how the ear functions, causing hearing loss, and/or affect balance.
In addition to damaging workers’ quality of life, occupational hearing loss carries a high economic price to society. Visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Center for Disease Control and Prevention websites for their hearing conservation resources.
Oct. 16 - 20, 2023 is National School Bus Safety Week. Check out the National Association for Pupil Transportation's week of safety activities and year-round school bus safety tips:
The National Safety Council offers guidance on "Slowing Down: Sharing the Road" with buses, bicyclists and pedestrians in and near school zones:
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone regardless of age or fitness level, but it is more common in young athletes. SCA is the leading cause of death in young athletes. It is caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts its pumping ability.
One cause of SCA in young athletes is commotio cordis, a Latin term meaning "agitation of the heart." Commotio cordis is a sudden cardiac arrest caused by a blunt blow to the chest. This rare but serious condition was thrust into the national spotlight when NFL player Damar Hamlin was hospitalized after taking a hit to the chest during a Monday night football game. It can happen during any sport or activity, but it is most common in ball and stick sports, such as baseball, lacrosse and hockey.
Commotio cordis is most likely to occur when the blow to the chest is delivered at a critical moment in the heart's electrical cycle. This critical time is just milliseconds long, but a blow can trigger a fatal arrhythmia.
There is no way to prevent commotio cordis completely, but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk. Athletes should wear protective gear, such as chest protectors, and coaches should be trained to recognize the signs of SCA.
During the fall and winter sports seasons, it is recommended to refresh your CPR and AED training skills. You can learn CPR and AED skills online or by taking a class from the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
You can also learn more about sudden cardiac arrest and commotio cordis from the following organizations:
Your various First-Aid/CPR/AED vendors and hospital/medical organizations can also provide additional guidance/training options.
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October is also National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use.
Children, youths and families are often adversely impacted by substance abuse. Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking, or using drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction.
According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, people who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly seven times likelier to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until age 21 or older. It is estimated that 90% people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18.
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 Prevent Blindness has designated October as Contact Lens Safety Month to help educate the public on the best ways to protect their eyes through proper care. In addition to a webpage, fact sheets, and shareable social media graphics, Prevent Blindness also offers a “Contact Lens Safety” video as part of the "Focus on Eye Health Expert" series. Dr. Thomas L. Steinemann, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University, discusses a variety of topics with Prevent Blindness President and CEO, Jeff Todd, including advocating for contact lens safety, patient care, and the dangers of improper use of contact lenses.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is a call to bring individuals, organizations, and industries together with local, tribal, and state governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness to reduce childhood exposure to lead. NLPPW, this year Oct. 22 - 28, highlights the many ways parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their environment, and prevent its serious health effects. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other partners work to heighten awareness of lead poisoning, provide resources, and encourage preventive actions during NLPPW and beyond.
NLPPW Information Kit [PDF 10.5 MB] (en Español [PDF 10.5 MB])
Additional October activities of interest:
World Stroke Day - Oct. 29
Stroke remains the second-leading cause of death in the world. There are an estimated 17 million strokes worldwide each year. Resources are available to raise aware, increase knowledge, and recognize the warning signs of a stroke.
Crime Prevention Month
October was designated "Crime Prevention Month" through a 1984 Presidential decree. The National Crime Prevention Council has been working with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and other organizations to help them spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety. National Crime Prevention Council’s monthlong celebration aims to create safe communities through a variety of initiatives and tools.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Finally, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Check out the National Breast Cancer Foundation website for ideas on how to get involved to raise awareness, including regular preventive screenings.
Stay tuned for autumn safety tips later this month. November signals the end of daylight saving time, and the beginning of low ambient light/nighttime driving challenges, the onset of inclement weather, and the holiday season.
Have a Safe Day, Always!!
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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 online.
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