June is National Safety Month: What You Should Know

June is National Safety Month… and do you even care? Most of us are aware of this observance; however, most of us also care less, thinking that it is the responsibility of the government – or the agency concerned – to create programs to eliminate or reduce risks at workplaces, communities and home. This is so wrong because as an ordinary individual, you can also do your part to support safety campaigns. These are what you should know:

 

  1. You can help promote safety awareness.

You may not realize it but social media can assist you in spreading the word about protection. Post and tweet about the National Safety Month. Do not forget to include a fact that will somehow make your friends and followers understand it more. For example, “It’s National Safety Month. Do you know that texting or talking to someone over the phone while driving distracts you and increases your chances of getting into an accident?”

 

  1. You can gather people in your community to hear and learn more about protection.

Organize a seminar and invite professionals like doctors and nurses and other public health and safety experts to talk about common issues that place people at risk. Lead in the discussion and make sure that everyone participates. Hand out information materials after the talk so they have something to read to further their knowledge.

 

  1. Take notice of potential hazards in your surroundings.

You should observe your home and your workplace. Are there structures that will let you or others slip, trip or fall? Take the necessary actions. In your home, renovate or do the needed repairs. In your office, report it to the department concerned immediately.

 

  1. Never tire yourself at work.

Exhaustion can make you lose your focus that can subsequently lead to accidents. For instance, you are too tired at work and you drive home. Because you are dog-tired, you are not able to notice the repair being done on the road and you hit it. You do not want to see yourself in this situation, right? So never tire yourself; take the time to relax at work. Stop everything that you are doing during lunch and coffee breaks.

Preach this same thing to your friends and co-workers.

 

  1. Prepare yourself for emergencies.

By increasing your knowledge on safety issues, you are not only reducing your risk to injuries or accidents but you are also preparing yourself to saving the lives of others. Join emergency preparedness seminars to learn about first aids so you will know what to do in case of crisis. Likewise, it will not harm you if you make it a habit to carry first-aid kit wherever you go, especially if you are traveling with kids.

According to the National Safety Council, important safety issues include prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and slips, trips, and falls. However, the responsibility to increase people’s awareness on safety is not in its hands alone – you should know that you can do your part and the list above is only some of them.