Safety & Risk Management

From safety program improvement to supporting employee well-being, here is how to make the most of National Safety Month in June.

June is National Safety Month, an annual reminder and a powerful call to action from the National Safety Council for businesses to prioritize workplace safety. With over 12,400 employer-reported nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Hawai‘i’s private sector in 2023 (latest data according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), there is no better time to check in and step up your organization’s safety culture.   

As an employer, your commitment to safety protects your team and builds trust, morale, and productivity. This year’s National Safety Month campaign highlights four essential themes to help you assess and enhance your safety strategies.  

Ready to elevate your safety culture? Let’s examine the four themes of this year’s National Safety Month and how your organization can implement them. 

Continuous Improvement 

Safety isn’t static; policies and practices shouldn’t be either. Effective safety programs continuously improve and adapt as needs arise and change.  

Consider taking the following steps for improvement:  

• Audit your current safety policies and procedures for outdated protocols.

• Update training with the latest best practices.

• Use data and technology to identify gaps or trends in inspection records and incident reports.

• Include employee feedback to make safety procedures more practical and effective.

 

Employee Engagement 

Engaged employees are safer employees. When your team feels involved, they’re more likely to take ownership of safety.  

Boost employee involvement by: 

• Hosting regular toolbox talks and interactive training sessions.  

• Creating a visible safety culture by posting clear safety signage. 

• Providing written safety resources like manuals and flyers.  

• Rewarding employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to safety. 

• Encourage peer-to-peer accountability, so employees look out for each other and speak up when something is unsafe.  

 

Roadway Safety 

If your employees operate vehicles as part of their job, it’s critical to emphasize the importance of roadway safety and the dangers of distracted driving. Transportation incidents are a leading cause of work-related fatalities according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ensure your drivers: 

• Inspect vehicles before and after all trips. 

• Eliminate distractions and abide by all traffic laws. 

• Receive regular driver safety training.  

 

Employee Well-being 

Workplace stress can compromise physical safety. Chronic stress, burnout, and fatigue can all lead to issues with concentration, slower reaction times, and a higher risk of injury.  

Support your team’s well-being by: 

• Advocating mental health awareness. 

• Providing access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health counseling, and stress management tools. 

• Normalizing helpful discussions around stress and burnout.  

• Designing workspaces that promote both safety and comfort.  

 

Take Action Today 

National Safety Month is about building a stronger culture of care and responsibility. Your efforts today, whether by updating policies, hosting training sessions or simply starting a conversation, can prevent injuries and fatalities tomorrow. 

Ready to get started? Visit OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics or the National Safety Council to register for National Safety Month and receive free resources, toolkits, and ideas to bring each safety theme to life. 

 

About HEMIC Safety & Risk Management 

As a mutual insurance company, HEMIC’s mission is built on partnership. Our Safety & Risk Management Team is available to all HEMIC policyholders as a policyholder benefit. We can assist with written safety programs, on-site inspections, training needs, drug-free workplaces, return-to-work programs, and more.  

HEMIC policyholders can contact Safety & Risk Management at safety@hemic.com or (808) 524-3642.
Learn more about HEMIC’s Workers’ Compensation offerings.