The 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™”. Starting in 1925 as an observance of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, Fire Prevention week is the longest running public health observance in the United States. The Great Chicago Fire killed approximately 300 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed 17,000 structures, and burned over 2,000…
According to the National Safety Council, slips, trips, and falls led to nearly 9 million emergency room visits in 2023. The following simple actions can prevent conditions that lead to these incidents. Clean up clutter: Ensure that electrical or charging cords, shoes, clothing, toys, papers, boxes, and plants are put away and out of walkways.…
UCOR is transitioning from the use of traditional Type I to Type II hard hats. What are some of the differences between these hard hats, and why is UCOR making this change? • Type I hard hats are designed to reduce the force of an impact to the top of the head. • Type II…
Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies show that workers in the construction industry have some of the highest rates of substance abuse and overdose deaths in the U.S. —three times the rate of other industries. The Center for Construction Research and Training reports that although construction workers accounting for only 8% of the…
Safety, at its core, is about ensuring that every single one of us safely goes home the way we came to work—both physically and mentally. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We often talk about jobsite hazards like falls, electrical shocks, and struck-by incidents—and rightfully so. However, the hard truth is that our industry loses…
Taking shortcuts and being complacent can contribute to preventable power tool injuries. Whether at work or home, injuries such as cuts, punctures, crushing, repetitive strains, fractures, burns, electrical shocks, and amputations can occur when using power tools. Either on the job or in your garage, consider the following: • Select the right tool and personal…
The three elements of Mission Readiness—mental preparedness, physical preparedness, and training preparedness—work together. If one is compromised, our ability to safely perform work could be compromised. UCOR’s new THRIVE initiative enhances your ability to be Mission Ready by bringing Health Services, Elevate Wellness, and the Mental Wellbeing Center under one umbrella. These programs provide resources…
OSHA’s Safe & Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs. This year’s event, which starts on August 10, is focused on workplace safety and health recognition programs. As a Department of Energy Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Site, UCOR recognition and worker engagement…
As the new school year begins, relay the following safety tips to your children, and take some upon yourself for best practice: Walking • Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available. Use crosswalks or cross at intersections after checking that it is safe to do so. Always look both ways and…
High temperatures and high humidity can create heat stress hazards. To be Mission Ready, you need to be well hydrated, rested, and acclimated to higher heat environments. Acclimation to reduce the risk of heat-related injury or illness is accomplished through gradual progressive exposure to physical work in the heat. Proper acclimation results in beneficial adaptations…
