Safety Management

National Safety Council Offers 'Safety Agenda for the Nation'

If you're not sure where to focus your safety and health efforts, you may want to take your cue from the National Safety Council's (NSC) "Safety Agenda for the Nation."

NSC said there are a number of simple steps Americans can take to substantially reduce their risk of dying from an accident. Based on NSC's accident data, these measures include "buckling up when we drive, exercising care on steps and ladders and around swimming pools, following the instructions when taking medicine, and rigorously adhering to safety procedures at work."

In the workplace, the council suggested that employers:

• Expand the use of workplace safety best practices identified by OSHA, NSC and other groups.
• Instill a "safety culture" in their organizations to make safety a core value that is audited and has accountability attached to it.
• Constantly review and update their safety and health programs.
• Ensure that CEOs and senior management personally set the standard for safety and health performance.
• Have that annual reports and other communications to stakeholders include a discussion of safety and health performance.

NSC is also a leading advocate for motor vehicle safety and recommends focusing on occupant protection with air bags and seat belts; teenage driver safety; drunk driving prevention; large truck safety; and pedestrian safety.