Workplace safety started gaining attention and awareness during the Industrial Revolution, particularly for textile and mining workers laboring under strenuous conditions. Canada’s first occupational health and safety law was passed in 1884, suggesting work hour restrictions for employees. In the U.S., the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act was passed in 1936 to improve labor standards for industrial workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created what we know today as OSHA.
This year, the National Safety Council (NSC) was focused on four key safety areas for National Safety Month in June: Emergency Preparedness, Slips, Trips and Falls, Heat-Related Illness and Hazard Recognition. Test your knowledge about these important safety topics with the quiz below.
Emergency Preparedness
Q: How many billion-dollar weather and climate disasters occurred in the US in 2021?
5, 10, 15 or 20?
Answer:
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, during that year, 20 separate events caused at least 688 fatalities—the most disaster-related deaths in the contiguous U.S. since 2011. These events, resulting in $145 billion total damages, included winter storms, wildfires, droughts, floods, tornados and tropical cyclones. Studies have shown that vulnerable groups are least likely to be prepared for these types of emergencies, including households with children under age 18, renters and people of low socioeconomic status. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends keeping supplies on hand for emergencies such as non-perishable food, water, medicines, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries and anti-bacterial wipes or gel sanitizer (enough to last at least three days).Â
Slips, Trips and Falls
Q: What industry’s workers are most at risk of falls?
mining, construction, utilities or transportation?
Answer:
Construction workers have seven times the risk of fatal falls from height compared to other industries. Further, more than 6.8 million people visited the emergency room in 2020 as a result of a fall-related injury. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available on how to reduce risk of falls when climbing a ladder, working in a bucket truck or working at ground level. Wearing the appropriate PPE is critical when it comes to fall prevention on the job.Â
Heat-Related Illness
Q: About how many heat-related hospitalizations occur each year in the US?
5K, 7K, 9K or 11K?
Answer:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks heat-related illnesses and fatalities, and an average of 9,235 people each year are hospitalized because of heat. The most vulnerable groups include people with heart or lung conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, pregnant women and both young children and the elderly. When working in the heat, staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks in the shade are vital. Read more tips for staying safe in the heat.
Hazard Recognition
Q: What is an example of a common workplace hazard?
a broken stair rail, a frayed electrical cord, an area with excessive noise or a gas leak?
Answer:
All of the above! Effective safety programs are not just reactive, fixing hazards as they arise, but also proactive in identifying, assessing and anticipating hazards on an ongoing basis. Typical occupational hazards fall into several general categories, including slip, trip and fall hazards, electrical hazards, fire hazards, ergonomic hazards and hazards related to equipment operation/maintenance and work practices. OSHA recommends six action items and best practices for conducting a hazard identification assessment here.
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This quiz was provided courtesy of Honeywell and with sources referenced at: https://nationaltoday.com https://wohis.org/history https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha https://www.climate.gov https://news.osu.edu https://ephtracking.cdc.gov https://www.osha.gov
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