Safety and Health Week is an annual event held in the United States and Canada to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health. This year, Safety and Health Week will be held from May 1-6, 2023. The week is an opportunity for employers and workers to focus on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses by promoting safe work practices and implementing effective safety and health programs.

The 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction is also scheduled for the first week of May from May 1-5, 2023. The Safety Stand-Down is specifically focused on preventing falls, which are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.

The Safety Stand-Down is an opportunity for employers and workers to pause work activities and talk about fall prevention. This could involve a safety talk, a demonstration of proper fall protection equipment use, or a review of job-specific hazards related to falls. By taking a moment to focus on fall prevention, employers and workers can help to prevent falls and save lives.

OSHA is a great resource for employers and workers who are looking to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down. OSHA offers a variety of resources, including training materials, fact sheets, and posters, all focused on preventing falls. Employers and workers can also visit the OSHA website to find out more about their rights and responsibilities related to workplace safety and health.

In addition to the resources available through OSHA, IATSE workers can take advantage of safety trainings through the IATSE Training Trust Fund. The IATSE TTF offers a variety of safety courses such as TTF Safety First! Online, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry with Focus on the Entertainment Industry, and OSHA 10-Hour Construction with Focus on the Entertainment Industry. By taking these courses, IATSE workers can develop the knowledge they need to work safely on the job.

Safety and Health Week and the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction highlight the importance of workplace safety and health. By taking the time to focus on fall prevention and other safety and health issues, employers and workers can help create safer workplaces for everyone. And with the resources available through OSHA and the IATSE Training Trust Fund, employers and workers have the tools they need to make workplace safety and health a top priority.

Let us know how you’re observing Safety and Health week by mentioning @IATSETTF and tagging #SafetyandHealthWeek on social media.

Safety and Health Week Webinars from the IATSE Education and Training Department

How to Create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Join IATSE Safety Committee Chair Kent Jorgensen and IATSE Training Trust Fund Director Liz Campos to get tips and learn about resources to help create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for your local union, training facility, and more. Register here.

Hearing Loss Prevention for IATSE Workers
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Learn about the causes of occupational hearing loss and how to prevent it. Topics include an overview of the auditory system, a review of common types of hearing loss, the public health impact, safety and health standards, the Hierarchy of Controls, workers compensation, and more. Register here.

Sun Exposure and Heat Related Illness
Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Excessive heat and sun exposure are potential hazards to IATSE workers, especially those who work outside during the summer months. Thankfully, heat illness is preventable. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Florinda Piano, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, to discuss how to stay safe working outside this summer. Topics will include how to prevent heat illness at work, how sun exposure can lead to heat illness, tips to prevent skin cancer, and much more! Register here.