National Safety Council

Washington — OSHA, NIOSH and a coalition of five safety organizations – including the National Safety Council – will recognize “the successes of workplace health and safety programs” during the third annual Safe + Sound Week, set for Aug. 12-18.

Set to take place Sept. 6-12 in San Diego, the NSC 2019 Congress & Expo is the world’s largest annual event for environmental, health and safety professionals. Safety+Health offers an extensive preview, including a look at educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, the “Best in Show” New Product Showcase Awards, and more.

“Until leaders understand that there is a level of safety beyond zero, they will be stuck on the dreaded ‘hockey stick plateau’ in their safety performance,” says speaker Bill Sims Jr., who adds that many “fail to see the underlying ‘management system at risk’ behaviors that kill more people than worker behavior ever will.”

Known for sun and fun, San Diego offers plenty of ways to unwind or live it up before, during and after the National Safety Council 2019 Congress & Expo. Everything from relaxing entertainment to worldly adventures, San Diego has it all. Here is a sampling of what you can find.

Since its launch in 1919, this publication has kept the safety community informed on what is now known as the National Safety Council Congress & Expo.

“One of the most common reasons why people don’t intercede or share safety with someone else is they believe or convince themselves that nothing is going to happen,” says motivational safety speaker John Drebinger, who offers tips for giving workers the “self-motivation to take action and help others live safely.”

“Each element of safety excellence impacts and influences the safety culture,” says Terry Mathis, founder and CEO of ProAct Safety, who offers a checklist to “ensure you formulate a complete approach.”

Impairment at work, whether from alcohol, marijuana or opioid use, is “a major roadblock to workplace safety, and the effects are more common than you think,” the National Safety Council says.

Do you ever get distracted by your cellphone when walking? Is your workspace cluttered and messy? Do you barge out of your workstation without looking to see if a coworker is passing?

Hazards are all around us. Although some are easy to see, many are not. The trick is learning to spot the hidden hazards.