June is National Safety Month, so it is an ideal time to break down the four core categories of safety as set by the National Safety Council (NSC) for National Safety Month.
First is Emergency Preparedness. Of course, it is paramount to be prepared for emergencies of all kinds, from fires to equipment malfunctions to health emergencies to active shooter issues and beyond. But did you know that preventable opioid deaths have skyrocketed? According to the NSC, these kinds of deaths have increased by 67% from 2019 to 2022. Having training and carrying Naloxone is a simple and effective way to save lives in the event of an opioid emergency. We have emergency plans for each facility in which we operate; when was the last time they were updated?
Slips, Trips and Falls is the second week’s concentration and the most common incident we have as a company. We can all work together to pinpoint and remedy potential slipping, tripping and/or falling hazards in the workplace. Seemingly small things like items on the floor, misplaced electrical cords, or doors or drawers left open can cause major danger. Keep workstations neat and orderly to prevent slips, trips and falls. And if you can’t fix it yourself, as the saying goes: ‘if you see something, say something.”
Heat Related Illness is a timely topic to discuss in the third week of National Safety Month. As we head into the summer season, remember to stay vigilant about staying cool and hydrated; wear appropriate clothing; and use sunscreen according to instructions. Protect yourself and look out for others who appear to be overheated.
Finally, we close out National Safety Month with Hazard Recognition. Rules and protocol exist for a reason—to protect you and your team. Always adhere to applicable safety standards on your jobsite. Pay attention; you can’t recognize a hazard if you are on ‘autopilot’.
We can all learn from National Safety Month. Let’s keep going and utilize all the tools in our safety toolbox individually and as a team. Why Not Zero?
Mike Yoh is Executive Vice President of Day & Zimmermann's Munitions and Government business. Mr. Yoh has held a number of increasingly responsible technical and management positions throughout Day & Zimmermann since joining the company in 1985, including assignments in engineering, operations, production, business development, quality improvement and contract negotiation and management. Mr. Yoh serves in many capacities on outside boards. He is a member of the executive board of directors of the Munitions Industrial Base Task Force (MIBTF) and former member of the Industrial Committee of Ammunition Producers (ICAP).