May the force be with you. Or the fourth. Wait, how is that one supposed to go again? Never mind, not important. Anyways, you know the drill: here are this month’s top safety observances you won’t want to miss.

Construction Safety Week –  May 6-10, 2024

During Construction Safety Week, we focus on continuing to review safety protocols in construction industries. This is especially important in this industry, as one-fifth of all workplace deaths are construction-related. During this week, it’s a great time to review both response and prevention protocols. Remember, the goal is not only to respond effectively to incidents after they happen but, more importantly, to prevent these incidents from occurring in the first place.

Need some inspiration? Here are the recent top 5 safety concerns in the construction industry. We encourage you to take a look at your own workplace and make sure you are up to code in these areas:

https://kpa.io/blog/top-osha-violations-for-construction-lets-take-a-look-at-the-top-5/

And, read up on OSHA’s four focus areas for the prevention of fatalities in the construction industry:

https://kpa.io/blog/oshas-focus-four-how-to-prevent-fatal-construction-accidents/

National Safety Stand-Down – May 6-10, 2024

National Safety Stand-Down is an event sponsored by OSHA, which aims to spread fall hazard awareness. In 2023, failing to observe the general requirements for fall protection was the number one most frequently cited violation. To combat this, OSHA recommends taking a day to ‘stand-down’ or take a break from working and focus on reviewing fall protection protocol. For workplaces where fall hazards are less common, the stand down can be extended to any safety subject and used to review overall safety protocol. 

Find our fall hazards in construction prevention checklist here: 

https://kpa.io/blog/fall-hazards-in-construction-your-prevention-checklist/

Learn more about the most frequently cited OSHA violations here:

https://kpa.io/blog/oshas-top-10-most-frequently-cited-violations-of-2023/

Electrical Safety Month – May 1-31, 2024

While many people may think that electrical safety is only relevant in construction and electrical work-related industries, this is certainly not the case. Anyone who uses any sort of lithium battery, electric vehicle, or even wall outlets could be exposed to its dangers. May is designated as Electrical Safety Month to raise everyone’s awareness of these dangers. 

Learn more about OSHA wiring and electrical safety here:

https://kpa.io/blog/osha-wiring-and-electrical-safety-what-you-need-to-know/

Mental Health Awareness Month – May 1-31, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This means that we use this month to bring attention to our own mental health and the mental health journeys those around us may have had in the past or are currently experiencing. We use this month to remind ourselves that you never know what another person is going through. Don’t forget to check in on yourself as well! There is nothing wrong with needing help, and many resources are available for those who need them.

Find resources for crisis and immediate response here: https://mhanational.org/crisisresources

Sometimes, an immediate hotline doesn’t feel like it will give us the mental help we need. This is why warmlines can be so helpful; they allow you to speak with someone anonymously about your mental health without the urgency of a crisis line:  https://screening.mhanational.org/content/need-talk-someone-warmlines/?layout=mhats,actions_i

Mother’s Day – May 14, 2024

Finally, we have the May Fan Favorite: Mother’s Day! Take some time to find a thoughtful gift for your mom, and share your appreciation with the other mothers in your life. If you are a mom, treat yourself! It’s your day, and we appreciate you for everything you do.

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 >

Stay safe out there!