NAOSH Week 2009: 'Safety Means Always Coming Home'

Since 1997, Canada, the United States and Mexico have participated in and celebrated NAOSH Week, with the support of local and regional partnerships with businesses, suppliers, governments, community health organizations and more, to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and raises understanding and awareness of safety and health issues.

In the United States, OSHA, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and more than 65 OSHA Alliance Partners hosted the May 4 kick-off event at the U.S. Department of Labor headquarters with a panel discussion. In addition, winners of the 7th annual ASSE Kids' ‘Safety-on-the-Job' Poster Contest will be honored and receive awards.

The Canadian launch of NAOSH Week will be held in Winnipeg at New Flyer Industries on May 4. This national kick-off will include keynote presentations, interactive demonstrations and representation from dignitaries from all levels of government.

"During NAOSH Week, people across Canada and throughout North America will take time to focus on the most important promise arising from our commitment - to make it home safe every day," says Art Nordholm, CSSE president. "Through the collective and dedicated efforts of many individuals in a number of organizations, and with the support of regional and national partners, attention will be drawn to what safety and health is all about - making sure that injuries, illnesses and tragedies don't happen. We must strive for this and achieve the goal to make it home safe every day."

CSSE encourages employers to develop safety activities in the workplace to build prevention awareness among employees and the general public during NAOSH Week. Examples include sponsoring a safety poster contest for employees' children; creating a company safety calendar with reminders and tips; hosting a family safety fair or picnic; and launching a recognition program to reward health and safety suggestions.