Construction Safety Week, an annual industry-wide education and awareness event originally hosted in 2014, kicks off at construction sites across U.S. and Canada on May 2.
As pandemic restrictions have eased, Safety Week will be holding more in-person events, including celebrations near O'Hare Airport in Chicago and Centene Stadium in St. Louis.
This year's theme is "connected, supported, safe." This reflects the connection workers and leaders have to each other across the industry. Being connected helps build strength because it means individual workers are not alone in building a stronger, safer industry and creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone.
The event also focuses on mental health issues among workers. Issues like substance abuse or depression can cause even the best worker to put others at risk and less noticeable things like prolonged stress, anxiety, financial concerns, or tension with a family member can cause workers to lose focus.
New for this year, Construction Safety Week encourages all contractors and workers to begin using safety helmets with an integrated chinstrap and lateral protection. This change can decrease the frequency and severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Construction Safety Week leaders encourage all construction companies to participate in this important industry initiative
Industry workers, families, and companies are invited to share a photo representing how they stay connected, supported, and safe every day, and submit their short stories for a chance to win a $1,000 prize. Details are available on the Safety Week website along with free safety planning resources.
"I'm proud of the work we've done as an industry to encourage safety through this event," said Ken Aldridge, 2022 Safety Week Committee Chair. "I am looking forward to seeing how firms across the industry celebrate this week."
