ITASCA, IL – In keeping with the 10th anniversary theme of National Safety Month, “Making Our World a Safer Place,” the National Safety Council has released a series of safety tips for the workplace, home and community.

The theme reflects the National Safety Council’s mission to prevent accidental injury and death by educating and influencing people to adopt and maintain safe and healthy practices and behaviors in all aspects of their lives.

Throughout June, 2006 National Safety Month activities will address safety risks and include injury prevention tips applicable to the workplace, driving, and the home and community.

NSC will launch the month with a national news release on the current state of safety Thursday, June 1, 2006.

To help with the planning of your organization’s activities, each of the following four weeks in June have been designated a specific safety focus.

§         June 5-9 Driving

§         June 12-16 Workplace

§         June 19-23 Emergency Preparedness

§         June 26-30 Home and Community

NSC will regularly update its website with tools and information that will help you plan your organization’s observance of National Safety Month. Sign up to receive e-mail notifications when informational resources are added to the planner’s page.

§         Give safety a head start. If you need a hard hat, make sure it fits right and that the suspension is adjusted properly.

§         Ask your safety supervisor or industrial hygienist to recommend the right kind of eye protection for the job. Be sure to take into account if you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses.

§         Protect your hearing with ear plugs or ear muffs. And try to reduce the amount of time you’re exposed to noise.

§         If you use chemicals, cleaning solvents, etc., make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing that resist chemicals.

§         Always protect your hands from injury. Take off rings, bracelets and watches before you start work. And use gloves that are appropriate to the work you’re doing.

§         If you use respiratory protection, never use a respirator that doesn’t fit securely, has become clogged or damaged, or one through which you can smell contaminants.

§         Full-body protection may be necessary against hazardous materials, sparks, radiation, and extremes of temperature.

§         Put your best foot forward by wearing the correct safety footwear for your work.

§         Have it fitted by an expert so it fits right and feels comfortable. The ANSI-Z41 label inside means your footwear meets recognized safety standards.

§         Remember: PPE only works if you wear it! Put it on, leave it on, and take good care of it.

For more, go to www.nsc.org/nsm/ppe_workplace.htm or www.nsc.org/nsm/risktip.htm.