Safe and Sound Week 2023: Tips on Workplace Safety

Carly Ingersoll

August 3, 2023

Each year in August, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) recognizes Safe + Sound Week, aiming to provide information and ideas on ways to keep workers safer across the U.S. In 2022, more than 113,000 people received health and safety resources through this initiative, and 3,336 organizations pledged to promote safety culture, enhance their safety programs, and reaffirm their commitment to safety.

This year, Safe & Sound Week will focus on workers’ mental health and well-being. Mental health has received increased attention in the workplace since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) 2022 Work and Well-Being Survey found that 71% of workers feel their employer is more concerned about their employees’ mental health now than in the past. The survey also showed that 81% of workers seeking future job opportunities would look for workplaces that support employees’ mental health.¹

The mental health and safety connection

The link between mental health issues—such as anxiety and depression—and workplace safety has been studied, particularly in challenging industries like construction. A recent article in Industrial Safety and Hygiene News (ISHN) explores how mental health issues can inhibit construction workers’ ability to concentrate, which can lead to accidents and injuries when operating heavy machinery.

There are many different things organizations can do to promote a culture of safety and employee well-being, including focused attention on workers’ mental health, such as:

• Sharing mental health resources and making them easily accessible to workers

• Ensuring employees are given ample breaks during their shift

• Having a workplace counselor or therapist on call

• Creating a space for exercise²

Worker and workplace safety is in our DNA at Honeywell - we help protect the lives of more than 500 million people each day across a number of high-risk industries. We are committed to innovating in the safety equipment field and creating personal protective equipment (PPE) that is both effective and comfortable for the workers who depend on it.

Where to learn more

To explore our safety tips across respiratory protection, fall safety, hand protection, and more, or to learn more about Honeywell’s PPE and safety programs, visit our website.

For further resources on Safe & Sound Week—including worksheets, infographics, and flyers—and to take the pledge below for 2023, visit OHSA’s website.

“I pledge to make safety a core workplace value. Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, and I will work to ensure everyone goes home safe and sound every day. My workplace will be taking action to improve our safety and health program during Safe + Sound Week 2023.”

Sources

¹ https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being/2022-mental-health-support

² www.ishn.com/articles/113566-mental-health-and-workplace-safety-is-there-a-connection

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