Developed by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, the North American Occupational Safety and Health Week will be celebrated May 3-9, 2009 throughout North America. Created in 2002, NAOSH Week is intended to raise awareness about occupational health, safety and environmental issues.
National Events are planned in addition to events in a large number of states (sponsored by local ASSE chapters) and internationally.
Additionally, corporate and organizational promotion includes companies/organizations such as Ford Motor Company, AIHA, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sprint-Nextel, and OSHA.
ASSE provides some guidance on how you too can get involved:
At Work
* Sponsor a poster contest for your employees’ children and create a Safety Calendar for your staff and clients
* Host a Family Safety Fair or picnic for your company and their families;
* Launch a recognition program for safety suggestions that are put into use or enhance ongoing health and safety practices.
* Conduct an Open House that focuses on health and safety. Involve suppliers. Invite local dignitaries, clients and colleagues.
* Conduct training sessions for employees
* Do local news releases on being safe at work tips for your local media (info. can be found on www.asse.org)
* Set up specific safety demonstrations, focused on safe work habits
* Launch a “New Worker” Orientation Manual
* Promote NAOSH Week through articles in your company newsletter
* Insert NAOSH Week messages in correspondence, memorandums, e-mail messages to staff
* Display the free NAOSH Week poster in offices, on bulletin boards, at work stations
* Distribute buttons, stickers, and pens to your staff
* Use NAOSH Week pens, safety whistles, etc as awards for safety achievements!
At Schools, Colleges, Universities
* Students are the workers and business leaders of tomorrow. Making them aware of safety and the need for training and knowledge is critical to helping them work safely in the future. Some activities include:
* Invite classes to tour your operations, highlighting basic safety features and the importance of working safely
* Promote poster competitions. Sponsor special safety days
* Conduct training sessions specific to the new and inexperienced worker
* Host a Fashion Show of personal protective equipment
* Make posters, videos, or speakers available to speak to students
* Work with local school boards to coordinate special events or help them expand their safety efforts
* Work with high school students to promote safety as a career!In Your Community
* Officially acknowledge NAOSH Week with a flag raising ceremony and signing of a NAOSH Week proclamation by your mayor, community dignitaries and other government officials
* Display a NAOSH Week banner in a prominent location in your community
* Plan special events such as shopping mall displays that feature safety messages sponsored by local businesses that are supporting NAOSH Week – the tools can be found at www.asse.org/naosh09
* Sponsor a public symposium on health and safety issues
* Encourage local retailers to display NAOSH Week posters
* Organize a safety poster contest for children
* Send public service announcements to local radio stations, and contact local media to arrange interviews or promote organization’s activities
* Work with community newspapers to publish a special supplement featuring safety articles, advertising, and NAOSH Week events and activities.