This September, there are several safety initiatives and observances dedicated to promoting and protecting safety and health both on and off the jobsite. Key events this month are National Recovery Month, National Preparedness Month, and Concussion Awareness Day. National Recovery Month and Concussion Awareness Day bring attention to two topics that disproportionately affect construction workers: substance abuse and head injuries. National Preparedness Month is an excellent time to revisit your site’s emergency plans, conduct drills, and ensure that all workers know how to respond if the unexpected happens. Keep reading below for more information on each event and ways to get involved.
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, often shortened to “Recovery Month”, is a national observance held each September with the goal of raising awareness about substance abuse, recovery, and mental health. Each week focuses on a different theme: Health (Week 1), Home (Week 2), Purpose (Week 3), and Community (Week 4). On September, 5th, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is holding a “Walk for Recovery”  “to celebrate and support the millions of people in recovery from mental health and substance use conditions.”
Drug and alcohol addiction affects worker safety both on and off the job. Substance abuse can impede a worker’s ability to perform their job safely, increase their likelihood of taking risks and placing themselves and their coworkers in harm’s way, and can prevent workers from recognizing and avoiding hazards on the job. Additionally, substance abuse can cause mental health crises and increased stress and tensions among coworkers.
Employers who are interested in supporting this initiative have a variety of options for getting involved, including participating in SAMHSA’s webinars and events this month, conducting training on substance abuse and mental health, and offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to workers who may be experiencing substance abuse or mental health crises.
National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is an annual observance held each September by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The goal of this observance is to promote emergency planning while bringing awareness to the fact that disasters (whether natural or man-made) can occur anywhere and at any time.
This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation”. The key to minimizing the impacts of emergencies is to prepare and develop a plan before one is needed. National Preparedness Month is a great time for employers to review their Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and ensure that workers are trained on what to do in an emergency. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a workplace incident, or a personal emergency, being prepared can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of response and recovery.
How to get started:
- Ensure workers know the locations of exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and the location of the nearest medical facilities. Have emergency contact numbers on hand.
- Establish a clear chain of command for emergency situations. Everyone on site should know who to contact in the event of an emergency and how to communicate the situation effectively.
- Ensure that first aid kits are accessible and fully stocked. Workers should know the locations of these kits and how to use their contents. Inspect all first aid kits and emergency supplies regularly.
- Encourage workers to keep a basic emergency kit in in their workspace, including personal essentials like a flashlight, water, snacks, and any necessary medications.
- Keep your jobsites up-to-date with local emergency alerts and warnings. Sign up for notifications from local authorities and monitor news outlets during severe weather or other emergencies.
- Monitor weather reports and other alerts that may impact the safety of the worksite. Have a plan in place for alerting workers, stopping work, and securing the site in the event of severe weather or other emergencies.
- Continuously assess the site for potential hazards that could lead to emergencies. This includes regular inspections of scaffolding, electrical systems, and equipment.
- Conduct or participate in an emergency drill to test your preparedness.
Concussion Awareness Day
This year, Concussion Awareness Day occurs on September 20th. We like to use this day as a reminder to emphasize with our clients the importance of wearing proper head protection on the job.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Common causes of head injuries in construction include falling objects, slips, trips and falls, and overhead hazards. One of the best ways to prevent concussions and other head injuries on the jobsite is to require workers to wear hard hats at all times in areas where head injuries could occur.
Concussion Awareness Day is a great opportunity to prioritize head safety and educate workers on the importance of protecting their most vital organ—the brain. Employers can encourage safe behaviors among workers by conducting toolbox talks and training classes, offering workers hard hat stickers as an incentive to wear their PPE, and by conducting regular jobsite inspections to identify potential hazards before an incident occurs.
Conclusion
This month’s safety initiatives provide an excellent opportunity to focus on various aspects of safety on the jobsite. These events can be used to bring awareness to issues that construction workers commonly face, and to prepare for, plan, and prevent incidents and emergencies before they occur. Contact Evolution Safety Resources today if you would like assistance in getting involved in these events or need support in enhancing your safety programs. Our experts are ready to help you every step of the way.