Date
Monday
May

May 5-11

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

Your safety matters! Join us in observing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, and let's build a safer workplace together.

Type
Week

Introduction

Immerse yourself in promoting a safe and healthy work environment as we kick off North American Occupational Safety and Health Week on May 5! This important week had its inception back in 1997 in Canada and quickly spread throughout North America as more and more companies realized its value. The purpose of this special week is to highlight and emphasize the importance of injury and illness prevention in the workplace. Because who doesn't want safer workplaces? It's a fantastic initiative that encourages everyone to understand their role in fostering a safe work environment. So put on your safety hats and let's tackle occupational safety and health head-on!

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week Timeline

1997
Inception of the Week
North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week was first observed in Canada as a strategy to emphasize the importance of a safe and healthy workplace.
1999
American Recognition
American Society of Safety Engineers recognizes NAOSH week, widening its impact and recognition across North America for the first time.
2001
U.S. Presidential Proclamation
The U.S. President issues a National Occupational Safety and Health Week proclamation, raising the profile of the week and reinforcing its importance nationwide.
2002
Mexican Participation
Mexico officially joins in acknowledging NAOSH week, making it truly a North American initiative that encourages safer workplace environments.
2012
Greater Public Involvement
NAOSH week starts seeing significant public participation and the promotion of various safety programs that help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.

How to Celebrate North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

1

Attend a safety seminar

Consider signing up to attend a virtual safety seminar or workshop. Industry professionals will share strategies about how to reduce workplace accidents and create a safer environment for all.

2

Organize a safety audit

What better time than North American Occupational Safety and Health Week to perform a safety audit? Examine your site or office for potential hazards and work on plans to mitigate them.

3

Host a safety-themed lunch and learn

Plan a lunch and learn where coworkers can share their own safety lessons or experiences. Not only is this educational, but it also helps build stronger camaraderie among staff.

4

Create a safety poster contest

Get your employees engaged by organizing a safety poster contest. The winning design can be printed and distributed throughout the workplace to remind everyone about the importance of safety.

5

Encourage safety equipment use

Use this week to shine a light on the importance of safety equipment. Run checks to make sure everything is up-to-date and in good working condition, and encourage employees to always use the necessary safety gear.

Why North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is Important

A

Promotes awareness on workplace safety

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is pertinent as it raises awareness about the importance of maintaining safety in the workplace. Through various activities such as awareness talks and workshops, it draws attention to the essentiality of preventing accidents and promoting health within work environments.

B

Encourages active participation from everyone

The week drives for everyone's involvement. From conducting a safety audit to setting up a safety suggestion box, it ensures everyone partakes in establishing a safer working environment. This not only heightens people's sense of responsibility but also enhances the overall safety culture in organizations.

C

Provides opportunities for learning & updating safety norms

Through workshops and talks by experts in occupational safety and health, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week serves as an educational platform. These informative sessions help workers stay up-to-date with the latest safety norms, techniques, and tools to ensure safety in their workplace.