Preventable injuries, commonly known as “accidents,” are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, . Join us in observing National Safety Month as we work together to highlight the leading causes of preventable injury and death in order to create healthier, safer environments at home and in the workplace.

Promoting Safety in the Workplace

This year, the following weekly topics will be highlighted during National Safety Month:

Week 1 – : By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can stay prepared and create a positive and productive environment for their employees. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, providing proper training, and maintaining equipment. Organizations can also use this month to review safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and engage employees in safety initiatives to ensure a safer work environment for everyone.

Week 2 – : It may come as a surprise that the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,486 people died in falls at home and at work, according to . For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important for employers to plan ahead, assess the risks and be sure to use proper, well-maintained equipment. Observational safety programs can also help to reduce the risk of falls at work.

Week 3 – : Every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure and, in some cases, these injuries can be fatal. To avoid hazardous heat exposure, employees should:

• Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks)
• Work shorter shifts or split shifts
• Take frequent breaks
• Quickly identify any heat illness symptoms
• Wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Week 4 – : Even in familiar surroundings, employers need to be looking for dangers in the workplace. Keeping an eye out for hazards and performing routine building safety measures can help organizations identify and avoid them before an injury occurs.

Moving Forward

As a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, 91������ aligns with the principles of National Safety Month by offering comprehensive risk management solutions and insurance products tailored to specific industry needs—all of which enhance workplace safety, minimize potential losses, and protect your bottom line. This month serves as a reminder that investing in safety is not just a legal obligation, but a responsible choice that benefits everyone involved.

Drivers can meet this challenge by having the right knowledge about winter driving. Here are five preventative safety measures that commercial fleet drivers can follow to keep themselves and others safe this winter:

• Monitor Road Conditions: Prepare in advance for winter weather driving. Be sure to monitor road and weather conditions prior to driving by checking a weather app, local news channels, or .
• Lower Your Speed: The slower you drive, the more time you have to react. Stay slightly below the speed limit and increase your following distance to 8-10 seconds when confronted with slippery roads. Watch for the presence of .
• Brake Effectively: When you’re driving in snow and ice, always brake as gently as possible to avoid skidding. If the truck is not equipped with an ABS braking system, lightly pumping the brakes helps prevent losing control.
• Check Your Vehicle: Double check windshield wipers, defrosters, cooling systems, and washer reservoir. Verify that headlights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers are all working properly, and be sure to refuel gas at the halfway gauge point.
• Maintain Weather Emergency Kit: Winter weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s vital to ahead of time. Keep an ice scraper, broom, jumper cables and a flashlight handy in case of emergency. Consider packing sand or cat litter for stuck vehicles along with tire chains, flares, extra blankets and clothes, a phone charger, and nonperishable food/water.

For more information and advice on winter weather driving, visit

is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. For businesses, this observance provides a great time to consider specific risks that could impact employee safety and develop your own preparedness plan.

According to businesses can face a variety of potential hazards related to natural disasters, health concerns, technology-related risks and accidents caused by humans. There are simple steps to create and implement an emergency preparedness plan for your business:

Identify Your Risks

Become familiar with the types of natural disasters in your location. Each season brings its own unique challenges, and it is imperative to plan for the risks your business may face for each. This can include earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, power outages from severe winds, and tornadoes.

Depending on the type of business, identify the likelihood of other kinds of disasters, such as health hazards in a healthcare setting, or information technology-related risks to equipment or processes.

Develop a Plan

Create a course of action for each type of risk and conduct safety drills for emergencies your employees may face. Your safety drill plans should include when to evacuate the premises and when to stay in place. In the event your employees are required to evacuate, include information in your plan on the routes that are available and how to access the company’s emergency kits.

Take Action

Determine how to communicate with your employees before, during and after a disaster. Assign safety officers for assisting others in the event of an emergency, and consider accommodations for employees with special medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment.

Businesses should also review their insurance plans as they relate to the typical risks in their locations. Having the right type and amount of insurance can make the difference between a quick or more complicated disaster recovery. Consult your agent who can assist in determining what perils your policy covers (and in what situations coverage takes effect) to decide if additional coverage may be needed.

Inspire Others

Take advantage of the resources at and use National Preparedness Month as the prompt to get a plan started for your company. Discuss your plans with others in your industry to help ensure those around you are also taking steps to protect their family or company.

While businesses may not be able to avoid a disaster, you can minimize the impacts by being prepared.

The Causes of Cold Stress
Cold stress can be caused by cold temperatures, high or cold wind, dampness, and cold water. According to , when exposed to cold conditions, much of the body’s energy is used to keep internal temperatures warm. This can cause a shift in blood flow from extremities to the chest and abdomen, driving down the body’s temperature and causing cold stress.

Monitoring Wind Chill
Wind chill temperature measures the rate of heat loss from the human body and the impact of cold on exposed skin. The issues advisories when the wind chill reaches a critical level and provides a wind chill index to calculate the dangers from winter winds and cold temperatures.

Cold Weather Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can take the following steps to help prevent cold stress-related injuries for workers:

• Train teams on how to prevent and recognize cold stress and apply first aid treatment
• Provide environmental controls such as shielded work areas and protective equipment
• Schedule heavy work during the warmer parts of the day when possible
• Ensure the team is dressed properly for the weather, including at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing for insulation; hats or hooded jackets; knit masks; gloves; and insulated shoes
• Keep teams hydrated on the job site with warm, sweetened fluids
• Create a buddy system to help workers keep an eye out for the warning signs of cold stress

Businesses that have employees working in cold conditions should ensure they are following best practices to help prevent cold-related injuries. For more information about cold stress safety and prevention, and the National Weather Service