Governor Proclaims Occupational Safety and Health Week 2021

WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Labor, 5,141 people died from job-related incidents, or 14 people a day, in 2020, and millions more people suffered occupational injuries and illnesses; and

WHEREAS, small businesses with fewer than 500 employees represent the majority of the total businesses in the United Sates and create roughly two out of every three new jobs; and

WHEREAS, during North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) members will be distributing important information to small businesses on how effective occupational safety and health efforts can help them move their businesses forward, contribute positively to the bottom line, and help protect their employees and property from risk; and

WHEREAS, occupational injuries, health care, and illnesses cost businesses across the nation billions of dollars, and can cost individuals and employees their health, livelihoods, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, safer organizations enjoy increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and a better reputation, while recording less lost time, and lower workers’ compensation and healthcare costs; and

WHEREAS, occupational safety, health, and environmental professionals work around the clock so millions of people leave their workplace injury and illness free to return home to their families and friends each day; and

WHEREAS, during the week of May 2 – 8, ASSP members, OSHA, and corporate/association partners will mobilize in an effort to increase employer, employee, and public awareness of the importance of being safe at work; to raise awareness of the role and contribution of safety, health, and environmental professionals; to encourage safe work practices; to provide small businesses with occupational safety resources; and to help companies and organizations enhance their workplace safety efforts;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2 – 8, 2021, as “OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK” and May 5, 2021 as “OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.