PLH Group Unites with National Organizations to Create Safer Workplaces

The National Safety Council (NSC) recognizes its 26^th observance of National Safety Month this June. PLH Group and its business units are participating with other organizations throughout the country to enhance workplace health and safety.

To help participating companies focus on unified topics all month long, NSC assigned a theme for each week of the month. These topics align with messages that PLH Group’s energy-focused employees routinely discuss during safety meetings, trainings and orientations, and job site safety audits.
These themes are:

Week 1 – Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders – such as poor ergonomics and overexertion – are leading causes of workplace injury and time away from work. Manual overexertion alone causes 35% of all work-related injuries, is the leading contributor to worker’s compensation costs, and is the top reason for lost work days.

Week 2 – Workplace Impairment

The word “impairment” – which is defined as the diminishment of function or ability – is often associated with drugs and alcohol. However, stress, fatigue, and mental health can also cause workplace impairment. Unfortunately, no one is immune from workplace impairment. It is a condition that may start with one employee but impact the entire team. There are strategies, though, to identify signs and avoid impairment before it impacts safety assurance.

Week 3 – Injury Prevention

Injury prevention often focuses on hazard identification and mitigation. But there are actions that can be taken right now to prevent future incidents. For example, preventative maintenance reduces hazards that may otherwise lead to a serious incident or injury. Additionally, PLH Group’s PREVENT health and safety program methodically supports employees in decision making, leading to a safer work environment.

Week 4 – Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls aren’t just winter-related hazards. In fact, they account for the second most common reason employees suffer injuries that require days away from work. Energy construction work areas contain multiple teams and a constantly changing work environment. This consequently means slip, trip, and fall hazards – including muddy walkways, uneven surfaces, excavations, and obstructions on the path – are also continually changing. Teams must intentionally be aware of vision, direction, pace, and potential hazards to keep each other safe at all times.

The NSC’s weekly topics for National Safety Month are regularly discussed during toolbox talks, routinely practiced in drills and demonstrations, and consistently watched for throughout all PLH Group offices and job sites.

PLH Group and its business units will continue to prioritize safety by standing with the NSC during National Safety Month to cultivate engaging conversations with a goal of enhanced workplace safety spreading throughout the nation.