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Turn the Safety On

Whether you’re grilling, or off basking in the sun, safety is always important. Through leadership, research, education, and advocacy, the National Safety Council Mission (NSC) has been at the forefront for promoting safety at home, work, and the road, especially during the month of June, which is recognized as National Safety Month.

Staying safe is just as much our job as it is staying healthy. There are many risks in all facets of life and it’s a duty to keep yourself and those around you safe, as best you can. Since this is National Safety Month, we’ll share tips on how to stay safe in three of the NSC’s key areas: home, work, and road.

When it comes to the home, familiarity may be the greatest counter to fear and insecurity. You know where everything is, how everything works, therefore you’re very comfortable. However, there are times spent alone in the home that can be anxious, thus Safewise reported a few ways to feel safe in the home, and we’ll discuss the following:

  • Get to know your neighbors – Not only is it great to meet and make new friends in your community, but friendly neighbors keep an eye out and alert you of any problems.
  • Lock the door – Seems like a no brainer, but despite how safe you believe your community is, locking the door makes it difficult for strangers to enter your home. Dead bolts are ideal.
  • Have an emergency plan – In case of a fire or extreme weather conditions, know the safest and quickest way out of your house.
  • Get an alarm system – Security systems these days are advances that you can monitor them from your work computer to your phone to keep watch on your home at all times.
  • Don’t leave a spare key outside – Give your spare to a trusted neighbor or family member. Keeping it hidden outside may make it easier for any intruders to enter.
  • Have a check-in plan – This is important especially when living alone. It’s good to let a trusted person know your basic schedule, so if you plan on heading out of town, they can account for any anomalies.

Now as you leave your safe home and on the way to work, typically the average person drives. But even if you’re not driving to work, there are many occasions behind the wheel. Per Injury Facts 2016, the three biggest casualties on the road are alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving. Fortunately, Lifehack shared tips on how to stay safe on the road, and we’ll discuss them below:

  • Allow enough time – Plan your trips accordingly. It’s best to plan to have a little extra time, to avoid rushing and henceforth speeding on the road.
  • Don’t drive distracted – IT CAN WAIT. Texting and driving result in accidents that injure more than 330,000 people a year. It’s best to keep the phone away until you arrive at your destination.
  • Check the weather – Can help in predicting delays and getting your car ready in case of severe storms
  • Keep regular maintenance – Keep your car in good shape. Every 3,000 miles you should get an oil change
  • Don’t drive sleepy – If you’re planning on driving for long stretches, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. You should also take food and rest breaks every few hours to keep your energy steady

After the commute from home to work, the goal of safety doesn’t end there. It’s important to stay safe at work to reduce your risks of injury and illnesses. BetterHealth offered their best tips for work safety, regardless of occupation:

  • Understand the risks – Knowledge of hazards in the workplace can reduce your risk of injury or illness
  • Reduce workplace stress – May be caused by heavy workloads, long hours, job insecurity, etc. and can lead toward depression and sleep deprivation
  • Take regular breaks – Staying fresh and attentive can keep you from burnout and help you with your most difficult tasks
  • Avoid stooping or twisting – rearrange your workspace so everything is within reach when you need it
  • Talk over any concerns – Reach out to your HR manager to ensure a safe working environment

As you can see, there are many different methods to stay safe in these three areas. Moreover, feeling safe in all areas of life is great for your mental health. If you’d like to learn more safety tips, you can always reach out to your R-Health doctor and receive great insight.