By Amy E. Bauccio, Lawyer at Metzger Wickersham
Metzger Wickersham would like to celebrate and honor occupational safety, health and environmental professionals. These individuals are tasked with making our workplaces safer and healthier.
In 2006, the American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Board of Directors created "Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day" to recognize the ongoing efforts of occupational safety, health, and environmental professionals to protect people, property, and the environment. Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday in May; in conjunction with North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. This year it is particularly important that occupational safety, health and environmental professionals be recognized this month for their efforts as we face the COVID-19 pandemic.
While this annual celebration is novel, occupational safety and health practitioners have existed for nearly a century. In 1911 workers formed the ASSE after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of New York City, that occurred in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan on March 25, 1911. Nearly 150 women and girls died in the fire which were attributed to locked fire exits and a failing fire extinguishing systems. These deadly workplace catastrophes led to changed government regulations and new workers' protection laws.
Thanks to the effort and commitment of occupational safety and health professionals who work to make sure that millions of employees return safely to their loved ones injury and illness free. These professionals are tasked with identifying and reducing workplace hazards. Safety professionals develop and apply standards from numerous areas including engineering, physics, and management. They then use appropriate tools and means available to prevent illnesses, fires, accidents, and other situations that are harmful.
Eliminate hazards and reduce safety threats by implementing the following workplace safety tips.
8 Common Workplace Safety Tips
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep correct posture
- Take regular breaks
- Avoid shortcuts on procedures
- Be aware of new safety procedures
- Keep emergency exits clear
- Report unsafe conditions
- Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer
If you are injured on the job consider consulting with Metzger Wickersham to know your rights. We are here to help answer questions and provide legal advice during a no-cost case evaluation. Call us at (888) 286-2850 or email us to schedule your free consultation today.