May 1st-May 7th is North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. This week is dedicated to raising awareness and increasing understanding of the importance of practicing proper health and safety standards in the workplace.
What is NAOSH week?
The North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness and increasing understanding of the importance of practicing proper health and safety standards in the workplace. NAOSH week was launched in 1997. This week was created during the North American Free Trade Agreement talks between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Government labour department representatives discussed workplace safety and our Canadian representative spoke about the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week that Canadians already took part in. Our representative suggested that the U.S. and Mexico should have a similar initiative and those talks led to a combined North American Occupational Safety & Health week we all take part in!
Why do we celebrate this week?
According to the NAOSH Week website, this week exists to:
- Increase understanding of the benefits of investment in occupational safety and health
- Raise awareness of the role and contribution of safety and health professionals
- Reduce workplace injuries and illness by encouraging new safety and health activities and interest in NAOSH week
Who participates, when, & where?
All of North America participates in NAOSH Week, May 1st-May 7th. There are a variety of events going on in every province in Canada, and in the United States, throughout the course of this week.
To find events in your city click here.
How can I make changes to my safety & health behaviour?
This week is dedicated to drawing attention to safety in the workplace. It is crucial that all workers commit to working safe and keeping a safe workplace for themselves and their coworkers.
The NAOSH website, naosh.org, offers a comprehensive list of health and safety links so you can stay safe no matter where you are. Check out the full list here.
And be sure to use our health and safety resources to help keep you safe at work:
Preventing Workplace Pains & Strains
Source: naosh.org