National Safety Month highlights workplace safety priorities
June marks National Safety Month, giving organizations an opportunity to raise awareness, revisit priorities and reinforce a strong safety culture.
The National Safety Council (NSC) uses the month to spotlight leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. The NSC offers a variety of materials to both members and nonmembers on its website at nsc.org. The topics for 2026 National Safety Month are:
▶ Week one – Moving safety forward
This week focuses on advancing safety culture through practical strategies and tools. It also aligns with National CPR and AED Awareness Week, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness at work and at home.
⦁ Review safety procedures and identify improvement opportunities.
⦁ Promote CPR and AED awareness. Refresh emergency response knowledge.
⦁ Use safety talks and fact sheets to reinforce everyday prevention practices.
Federal data shows continued progress in occupational safety. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,071 fatal work injuries in 2024, with the fatal injury rate at 3.3 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Transportation incidents remained the leading fatal event category, accounting for 38.2 percent of occupational fatalities.
▶ Week two – Staying safe on the roads
This week focuses on reducing crashes with practical guidance for drivers, pedestrians and fleets. Because roadway incidents remain a leading cause of occupational fatalities, the topic is especially relevant for employees who drive as part of their work, operate service vehicles or spend significant time traveling between customer locations.
⦁ Emphasize defensive driving and distraction-free habits.
⦁ Review fleet safety expectations, vehicle maintenance and seat belt use.
⦁ Address pedestrian, cyclist and vulnerable road user awareness.
The NSC reports that preventable injuries remained a major national concern in 2024, with 197,449 preventable deaths and 54 million injuries in the United States. The NSC also estimates 42,789 motor-vehicle deaths in 2024, a reminder that traffic safety deserves continued attention on and off the job.
▶ Week three – Promoting holistic worker health
This week emphasizes total worker wellbeing, including mental, physical and emotional health. Fatigue, stress, sleep quality, substance use and psychological safety can all affect attention, decision-making and safety performance.
⦁ Encourage conversations about fatigue, stress and mental well-being.
⦁ Promote healthy routines that support focus, readiness and resilience.
⦁ Share resources related to substance misuse prevention and psychological safety.
Well-being is reflected in the latest occupational fatality data. In 2024, fatal work injuries caused by exposure to harmful substances or environments declined to 687 cases, including 410 drug or alcohol overdoses, down from 512 in 2023. Even so, substance misuse and mental well-being are critical safety concerns.
▶ Week four – Preventing slips, trips and falls
This week highlights a common source of injury in both workplaces and everyday life. Good housekeeping, proper footwear, clear walking and working surfaces and hazard recognition can help reduce incidents.
Campaign materials for this week include fact sheets, safety talks, videos, case studies and other communication tools that can be adapted for employee outreach, safety meetings and ongoing training throughout the year.
⦁ Inspect walking-working surfaces for clutter, spills and uneven areas.
⦁ Reinforce ladder, stairway and housekeeping best practices.
⦁ Encourage prompt reporting and correction of slip, trip and fall hazards.
Falls remain a significant source of serious workplace harm. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 844 fatal falls, slips and trips in 2024, down from 885 in 2023, but the figures still underscore the need for continued prevention.
To explore the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) new Every Day Safe program, visit propane.com/everydaysafe.
Randy Warner is product safety manager for Cavagna North America. Reach him at randywarner@us.cavagnagroup.com.
NOTE: The opinions and viewpoints expressed herein are solely the author’s and should in no way be interpreted as those of LP Gas magazine or any of its staff members.
Featured homepage image: Image: bluekite/E+/Getty Images
Related articles
How gas metering is transforming
You May Also Like
-
Westmor’s Pathway Delivery System
Jun 23, 2026
Subscribe to LP Gas
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to LP Gas to receive more articles just like it.
