The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 was enacted due to the rising concerns over the high rates of workplace injuries, illness, and fatalities in the United States. Prior to the OSH Act, industrial accidents were common. Reports of hazardous working conditions, coupled with the lack of comprehensive federal safety regulations, highlighted the need for a unified approach to workplace safety. During the 1960s, public and labor organizations further demanded better worker protection. The OSH Act was published to address these issues by establishing consistent safety standards, ensuring safer working environments, and reducing the risk of occupational injuries and deaths.

Since the early days of the OSH Act, occupational safety and health has evolved from being a regulatory obligation to being a core component of how successful companies are run. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), having a strong safety and health program can help create:

• Fewer accidents, losses, and disruptions by preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Engaged employees and improved morale.
• Increased productivity and enhanced overall business operations.
• Lower workers’ compensation and insurance claims.
• Improved compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Improved reputation to attract new customers and employees and retain existing ones.
• Better brand and shareholder value that tie to social responsibility.

National Health and Safety Observations

Every year, the National Safety Council (NSC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and OSHA bring additional attention to occupational safety and health issues to help reinforce the importance of having a strong safety culture and to encourage employers and individuals to recommit to working and living safely.

Every June, NSC and NIOSH observe National Safety Month to encourage employers and individuals alike to be safety role models. This year’s focus areas include safety engagement; roadway safety; risk, reduction; and slips, trips, and falls.

Much like National Safety Month, OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week (August 12-18, 2024) is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. This year’s Safe + Sound Week is focused on providing resources for businesses to conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).

KTL’s Series on Investing in Safety

Throughout OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week this August, KTL will be featuring a series of articles and posts on our blog and social media (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn, X) reinforcing these concepts from OSHA, NSC, and NIOSH and discussing why businesses should invest in safety. Topics will include the following:

• Workers’ rights
• Protecting temporary workers
• Psychological safety at work
• Food chemical safety
• Effective safety leadership

Watch for these articles! For more information on what your organization can do to participate and promote a strong safety culture, visit the websites for OSHA Safe + Sound Week and NSC National Safety Month.