DID YOU KNOW?
Preventable injuries are now one of the leading causes of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer — and most are linked to a small set of recurring hazards like falls, vehicle incidents, poisoning, and overexertion. [1]
STAY INFORMED
- Most serious injuries are not “freak accidents.” They usually result from everyday habits, shortcuts, and distractions that build up over time. [1]
- A small number of hazards cause most injuries and deaths — including falls, motor vehicle crashes, poisoning/overdose, and overexertion. Focusing on these common causes can dramatically reduce risk. [1],[2]
- Effective safety programs start with leadership and participation. When leaders set clear expectations and workers are involved in hazard identification, incident rates go down. [3]
- Near-misses are early warning signs. Treating them as learning opportunities — not reasons for blame — helps prevent serious incidents later. [3]
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Set 1–2 Concrete Safety Goals
- Choose specific, realistic safety goals for the year (for example: “Always wear required PPE,” “Eliminate rushing on the job,” or “Report every near-miss I see”). Write them down and revisit them monthly.
2. Use a Simple Pre-Task Check
- Before starting work, do a quick “Stop–Think–Act–Review”:
- Stop: Pause before jumping in.
- Think: Identify hazards and worst-case outcomes.
- Act: Choose the safest method and PPE.
- Review: Ask, “Would I do anything differently next time?”
3. Refresh Your Emergency Readiness
- At work: Re-familiarize yourself with emergency exits, assembly points, alarms, and reporting procedures. Know who to call and how to reach them in an emergency.
- At home: Test smoke alarms and CO detectors, check fire extinguishers, update your first-aid kit, and review your family emergency plan.
4. Make Reporting a Habit
- Commit to reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, and near-misses right away. Early reporting allows issues to be fixed before they injure someone.
- Encourage coworkers to speak up as well — thank people who raise concerns, and avoid blaming individuals when the real issue is a system or process problem.
5. Involve Family, Friends, and Coworkers
- Share your safety goals with others and invite them to set their own. When families and teams talk about safety, safe habits become part of daily life instead of a once-a-year resolution.
NEW YEAR SAFETY REMINDER
The new year is a fresh start. Small, consistent changes in how you plan, work, drive, and speak up about hazards can prevent life-changing injuries. Make safety part of your daily routine — at work, at home, and on the road.