June Is National Safety Month: Tips to Prevent Injury & Death in Seattle

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog on June 1, 2024

Every June, the National Safety Council (NSC) hosts National Safety Month, an initiative that encourages individuals and businesses to focus on reducing preventable injuries and deaths. This year, National Safety Month will focus on four important topics: Emergency Preparedness, Slips, Trips, and Falls, Heat-Related Illness, and Hazard Recognition.

As a person living or working in Seattle, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your coworkers from injury or death. Below, find a few important tips that you can use to better prevent unexpected accidents or emergencies.

#1: Keep an Emergency Kit on Hand

Always be prepared for unexpected situations by keeping a well-stocked emergency kit both at home and in the workplace. An effective emergency kit should include basic first aid supplies, water for several days, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets. You should also tailor your kit to include personal items such as medications, eyeglasses, and important documents sealed in waterproof containers.

#2: Train Employees on Safety Practices

Creating a safe workplace is an ongoing process that involves more than just first-day orientation. Regular training programs should be instituted to keep safety at the forefront of daily operations.

Employees should be trained on the proper use of equipment, emergency response actions, and how to identify workplace hazards. Implementing hands-on activities and simulations can reinforce the importance of safety and ensure that employees can navigate emergencies with greater confidence.

#3: Keep an Eye Out for Fall Hazards

Falls are a leading cause of injury at work and home. To minimize these risks, conduct periodic walk-throughs of all living and work environments to identify potential fall hazards. Secure rugs, repair loose floorboards, ensure that cords are out of walkways, and improve lighting in dim areas to help prevent trips and slips. Keeping floors dry and clean, and using signage when a floor is wet, can also help prevent fall-related injuries.

#4: Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

During the warmer months, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly. Educate yourself, your family, and your coworkers about the common signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, fainting, and vomiting.

Remind everyone to take regular breaks in shaded areas or indoors to cool down. Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated can also help prevent these illnesses. If you notice any signs of heat illness, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

#5: Conduct Regular Safety Checks

Routine safety checks are essential for identifying and mitigating risks in any environment. Regularly inspect tools, equipment, and machinery for proper operation and potential hazards. Ensure that all safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, are easily accessible and in good working order.

How To Seek Justice After an Unexpected Injury in Seattle

Despite all precautions, accidents can still occur, resulting in injuries that can be life-altering. If you suffer an injury, whether at work or elsewhere, you deserve justice—and a Seattle personal injury lawyer can fight for your rights. After your accident, schedule a free legal consultation to learn more about your legal options and begin your journey to financial recovery.