OSHA Safe and Sound Week: Promoting Workplace Safety and Health

Date Published: July 16, 2025

Each year, businesses and organizations nationwide participate in OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week, a nationwide initiative highlighting the importance of workplace safety and health. Whether you're an employer, a safety professional or an employee, this recognition week encourages organizations to examine their construction safety training more closely, assess potential risks and confirm employees have the training and resources they need to stay safe on the job.

The focus of OSHA Safe and Sound Week is on three key areas:

• Leadership Commitment: Committed leaders are core to OSHA Safe and Sound Week. If leadership doesn’t support safety, safety programs won’t work. The annual week encourages leaders to actively promote safety and set a positive example for workers.
• Worker Participation: Engaging workers as valuable partners is critical to effective safety programs — they’re the ones who know the potential hazards. However, workers need the information and knowledge to identify the potential key hazards. OSHA Safe and Sound Week aims to develop safe worker practices, empowering workers to be part of the solutions — like identifying hazards, reporting unsafe conditions, and participating in safety training and programs — with the goal of increasing safety program success.
• Hazard Identification and Assessment: In 2023, U.S. employers reported over 1.5 million workplace injuries, resulting in more than 18 million days away from work and 22 million days of job transfer or restriction (Via OSHA 2023 Work-Related Injury and Illness Summary). Identifying and assessing hazards early — completing walkarounds and encouraging employee reporting — must be systematic and part of everyday operations as much as quality and productivity. OSHA Safe and Sound Week helps workplaces identify risks and take steps to eliminate or mitigate those hazards before they result in injuries.

One of the best ways to commemorate OSHA Safe and Sound Week is through preventative training. Investing in safety education not only protects employees but also strengthens workplace readiness. Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED training is a powerful tool in this effort, equipping staff with the skills to respond confidently to medical emergencies before professional help arrives. By incorporating this training into safety programs, organizations demonstrate a proactive commitment to health and safety that aligns with OSHA’s mission. It’s a practical, impactful way to foster a culture of preparedness and care in every workplace.

Why is OSHA Safe and Sound Week Important?

Workplace safety is crucial for the well-being of employees, and it directly impacts a company’s productivity and reputation. Injuries in the workplace cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars annually due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and legal fees.

Employers reduce workplace injuries by focusing on proactive safety measures, nurturing a safety culture and incorporating preventative training such as Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED.

OSHA Safe and Sound Week highlights the essential role that safety programs play in creating healthier work environments. The nationwide event, held each August, also highlights successes and allows employers to learn more about creating and maintaining safe environments. The week reminds us that workplace safety should not be a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment that requires attention, involvement and continuous improvement.

Training and Resources

Training is critical to workplace safety. Supporting a strong safety culture by offering employees the proper training to recognize potential hazards and respond effectively is a simple and effective way to enhance workplace safety.

OSHA and its partners, including the American Red Cross, offer numerous resources, including training programs, webinars and tools to help businesses promote safety year-round. Through the OSHA Alliance partnership, of which the Red Cross is a part, organizations can access courses designed to help employees and employers better understand workplace hazards, emergency response procedures, and first aid.

OSHA Safe and Sound Week presents an ideal opportunity to review your organization’s safety policies, engage employees in discussions about risk management, and implement new initiatives to improve the overall safety culture in your workplace. Whether you’re just starting to develop a safety program or are looking to make improvements, this initiative is a valuable tool for raising awareness and acting toward creating a safer workplace for all.