January- the start of the New Year, the month of resolutions, and, depending on where you live, the coldest, soggiest your socks will feel all year. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the things we did over the previous year and consider our intentions going into the coming seasons. Don’t know where to start? That’s OK, you’re in the right place! Safety observances can be a great way to foster a culture of safety within your facility. Take some time to review the following January safety observances, and consider how they might be applied to your workplace.

January Safety Observances

Minimum Wage Update – January 1

Starting the first day of 2024, 22 states and 43 cities will be participating in a minimum wage increase. This change will impact about 10 million U.S. workers, whose pay will grow as the new year hits.

Access a more in-depth review of these wage increases here:
https://kpa.io/blog/2024-minimum-wage-changes-and-increases/

You may also want to review a few common wage and hour law misconceptions, just to be sure you don’t make any of these easy mistakes while adjusting to the wage change:
https://kpa.io/blog/wage-hour-laws-four-common-misconceptions/

National Radon Action Month

Did you know that Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. among non-smokers? To bring awareness to its silent dangers, the EPA designated January as National Radon Action Month. Many people use this month as a reminder to be proactive about implementing recommended safety measures, such as testing their homes and workplaces for Radon or attending local safety events.

You can find out more about this event and review important action items here::
https://www.epa.gov/radon/national-radon-action-month-information

Data Privacy Week – January 21-27

Data Privacy Week aims to raise awareness about users’ data privacy rights, as well as inform companies of how they can best respect their clients. This year’s theme is ‘Take Control of Your Data’, encouraging users to review the platforms that already access their data and consider the personal information they share with future platforms.

Here’s a more in-depth look at how you can take control of your data:
https://staysafeonline.org/programs/data-privacy-week/individuals/

For dealerships, understanding recent FTC updates to security breach protocol may be one of the most important ways you can protect data privacy. You can touch up on your understanding here:
https://kpa.io/blog/ftc-revises-safeguards-rule-updates-are-you-up-to-speed-on-the-new-data-breach-rules/

National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (January 29th)
National Fun at Work Day (January 26th)

Now, for the most important observances of the month: Bubble Wrap Appreciation and Fun at Work Day!

Every last Monday of January, our nation celebrates the invention of bubble wrap and its many uses in our modern lives. Here’s a fun fact – bubble wrap was first marketed as wallpaper and then greenhouse insulation before it was deemed most useful for package protection. Whatever the use, bubble wrap has become a staple in the shipment industry, as well as a symbol of safety and protection.

Aside from its very important safety qualities, our favorite use of bubble wrap might have to be the time-honored tradition of bubble popping!

This is why National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day pairs effectively with National Fun at Work Day. While National Fun at Work Day and workplaces containing forklifts may not seem like the most rational duo, this observance can be celebrated in many enjoyable, safe ways (Ex. popping bubble wrap!). We encourage you to use this as a community-building opportunity, and show your employees that you care about their mental wellbeing just as much as physical.

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to start implementing  safety observances into your safety plans.

This is the perfect opportunity to level up your knowledge and take action to keep yourself and those around you safe. When we all prioritize safety, we create a culture that benefits everyone. So let’s make the most of this month and take advantage of the amazing resources available to us!

Need help? Check out the Compliance Calendar as a great way to keep on top of all your important dates >

Here’s to a safe and successful start to the New Year!
Stay safe out there!