June is National Safety Month, an annual observance to educate and encourage safe behaviors around top causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Each week in June is assigned a theme. The National Safety Council promotes their efforts by highlighting different leading cause of unintentional injury and death. The first two weeks are:

Employee Wellness June 3 - 9th

Is your professional life shortening your lifespan? The World Health Organization states that poor eating habits and lack of physical activity are the major contributing factors to being overweight . This week consider your options for both exercise and better eating habits while at your workplace:

Stand up and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Head outside and take a quick 5-10 minute power walk around the block. Or walk up and down a few flights of stairs to re-energize yourself. You may even consider a “treadmill desk” that allows you to get exercise and your work done at the same time. Have a healthy snack. Make certain you have your snacks available in your desk so you are not tempted to go to the vending machines and pick something unhealthy.

Ergonomics June 10 - 16th

Ergonomics is a science concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It takes account of the worker's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker. The National Safety Council reports that overexertion is the leading cause of unintentional injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States. Earning a living should not cost you a thing when dealing with your health and welfare. All injuries are preventable:

If heavy lifting is required warm up by stretching

Use your legs and not your back to lift

When lifting avoid twisting, bending or turning

Recognize if you need a tag team for a heavy object, get a colleague to assist

Focus on your body. Could your pain be a result of repetitive work such as sweeping, typing, prolonged sitting. Outdoor workers have additional challenges brought with each change of season. If your work takes you outdoors in the heat be certain you do not underestimate the power of a hot day. Plan for it, respect it and you will avoid heat-related illnesses. A hot day is too hot for your professional health!

Survive and thrive. Make it matter when you are making decisions about your health and wellness, even in the workplace. Kudos to the National Safety Council for addressing healthy lifestyle choices in the workplace.