Center for Public Health Workforce Development eNews
May marks both Mental Health Awareness Month, National Electrical Safety Month, while Heat Safety Awareness Week is currently underway.
National Forklift Safety Day is June 9, and the 2026 Trench Safety Stand Down will take place from June 15-19.
Some other dates to add to your workplace safety calendar are below. But remember that workplace safety and health are something to promote every day of the year.
During Mental Health Awareness Mont, we're reminding everyone that protecting psychological health in the workplace is just as important as addressing physical hazards. Workers are constantly dealing with stress on and off the job, and sometimes it can affect safety, performance, and overall well-being. Stress can also take a toll on physical health, including increasing the risk of heart disease.
However, workplaces can be a key place for resources, solutions, and activities designed to improve our mental health and well-being. In the video above, representatives from OSHA's Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Associated Builders Contractors discuss mental health stigma and how workplaces can better support their teams.
OSHA also has resources to help address workplace stress and suicide prevention. Additional information and resources are available on the Department of Labor's Mental Health at Work page, and the Mental Health page of the Department's Office of Disability Employment Programs
Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in construction. The latest data shows that falls accounted for 389 of the 1,034 construction fatalities (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Those tragedies could have been prevented. This week marks the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, when employers take a break from usual work activities to talk directly to employees about fall hazards and emphasize the importance of fall prevention. Take a moment to join the effort. Learn more about the Stand-Down and how to protect workers from falls every day of the year.