Our Commitment to Safety: National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month -a nationwide observance focused on preventing injuries and creating safer environments where people live and work. For housing authorities, safety goes beyond buildings-it includes residents, employees, contractors, volunteers, and the public who interact with our communities every day.

This month, we are highlighting key safety areas that affect everyone within our housing authority pool: slips, trips, and falls, fire and electrical safety, and everyday personal safety practices that help prevent injuries and emergencies.

Slips, Trips and Falls: A Leading Cause of Injury 
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injury in our housing communities-for residents and workers alike. These incidents often lead to serious injuries, lost work time, and reduced quality of life, but many are preventable.

Common Fall Hazards in NCHARRP Housing Communities

• Wet or recently cleaned floors
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, and parking areas
• Cluttered walkways or blocked exits
• Loose rugs, cords, or uneven flooring
• Damaged stairs, handrails, sidewalks, or curbs
• Weather-related hazards such as rain, ice, or mud

Fall Prevention Tips for Staff and workers

• Wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
• Use caution when carrying loads.
• Follow proper ladder and equipment safety practices.
• Clean spills promptly and use wet-floor signage.
• Secure tools and materials to prevent tripping hazards.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately-don't assume someone else will.

Musculoskeletal Safety Tips for Staff and Workers 

• Use proper lifting techniques-bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting while lifting.
• Adjust workstations to maintain neutral posture and reduce strain.

Have you checked out NCHARRP Ergonomics Self Help online Features?

• Take regular stretch breaks, especially during repetitive tasks.
• Use mechanical aids or ask for help when lifting heavy or awkward items.

National Safety Month also reminds us to focus on personal awareness and safe behaviors that prevent injuries and incidents:

Workplace and Community Safety

• Be aware of surroundings in parking areas and common spaces.
• Use proper lifting techniques to prevent strains and injuries.
• Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and reduce accidents.
• Follow established safety procedures and training requirements.
• Communicate clearly-report concerns, hazards, or near-misses.

Health and Wellness Safety

• Stay hydrated, especially when working outdoors in summer heat.
• Use sun protection for outdoor tasks.
• Know where to find first-aid kits and emergency contacts.
• If you see someone in distress, get help quickly.

See It? Say It. 
A strong safety culture depends on speaking up. Residents, staff, and visitors are encouraged to report unsafe conditions, hazards, or concerns before injuries occur.
No issue is too small-prevention starts with awareness.

Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
As we recognize National Safety Month, let's remember that safety is not just a policy or checklist-it's a daily commitment.

By working together, staying alert, and following safe practices, we can reduce injuries, prevent emergencies, and create healthier housing communities for all.

Safety starts with you - and it protects everyone.

Week 1 (June 1-6): Moving Safety Forward
Week 2 (June 7-13): Staying Safe on the Roads
Week 3 (June 14-20): Promoting Holistic Worker Health
Week 4: (June 21 -30): Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls