12 months of safety tips
We've got a year's worth of resources and training to help you get back to safety basics.
Whether you need topics for your safety committee meetings or you just want to step up your workplace safety game, we’ve got a year’s worth of topics for you.
From driving in wet winter weather to avoiding the summer heat, we have you covered with tips to keep your workplace safe in every season.
What you’ll find below is just the tip of the iceberg. Visit saif.com/safety for a library of resources, webinars, and classroom training.
SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and keeping rates low by focusing on workplace safety. Together with our partners, we strive to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work.
| Clear walkwaysSlips, trips, and falls spike during wintertime, due to icy and slippery conditions. You can prevent injuries by having a solid communication plan during inclement weather, creating a snow/ice mitigation team, and training employees on proper footwear.
Winterize your business with this cold weather checklist. And remember to walk like a penguin on icy surfaces.
FEBRUARY | Driving in bad weather
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of fatalities for Oregon workers. Whether you drive for work or just to and from work, we have resources on how to make it safely to your destination.
Watch videos on distracted driving, learn about our safety training checklist, and get tips for driving in extreme weather at saif.com/safedriving.
MARCH | Select, use, and store your ladder properly
Ladders are the “go-to” tool for any job that involves working from height—whether you’re changing a light bulb, retrieving items from a high shelf, or painting a building. Choosing the correct ladder for the job is just the beginning.
You can reduce the hazards by using these best practices. You’ll find a wealth of information on how to inspect, set up, use, transport, store, and maintain your ladder, along with a list of what not to do.
APRIL | Check for outdoor hazards
As you look toward spring, make sure you’re assessing any impact winter weather has had on your business. Look for fallen branches, clogged gutters, and other outdoor hazards that may create safety issues.
Read more on how to identify common hazards.
Most injuries occur within the first 12 months of employment. If you’re hiring summer workers, take time to train them on worksite-specific safety and health procedures.
Find more about onboarding temp workers.
JUNE | Reduce the risk of heat injury
As the days get hotter, it’s critical to ensure your workers don’t get heat stress or heat stroke. Water, shade, and rest are key. Use a buddy system to monitor workers for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
We have you covered with more resources at saif.com/heat.
JULY | Hydration and sun protection
Heat isn’t the only danger during the summer months. Make sure employees are staying hydrated and using proper sun protection, in addition to taking heat precautions.
Hydration is just one part of our safety and health resources. You can also read more about our tips for proper sun protection.
Wildfires are getting bigger, lasting longer, and happening more often across the western U.S. Hazardous smoke travels well beyond the fire lines, putting people and businesses at risk. Ideally people would go inside when the air gets too toxic—but that’s not always an option if your workplace is outside.
Visit our wildfire page for information on how to prepare.
Now is the perfect time to prepare for the fall months ahead. Have you checked your equipment to make sure everything is in proper order? Do you have the supplies necessary to address slips, trips, and falls as things get wetter?
Every industry has different safety and equipment considerations. That’s why we have several industry-specific topic pages. Find out more for your specific industry.
Whether it's COVID-19, the common cold, or the flu, infectious diseases are always a workplace concern. You can take steps to control infection and reduce the risk of employees getting ill.
Things like promoting hand hygiene, regularly wiping down surfaces, and proper PPE are just a few of our suggestions. For more, see our infectious disease resources.
NOVEMBER | Working in the dark
Make sure you fall back safely. With the time change, many things you’re used to doing in daylight are now happening in the dark. This includes walking, which is one of the simplest things you can do for your health.
Walk facing traffic, use sidewalks and crosswalks where available, and make eye contact with drivers. Find these tips on safe walking, and more, on our physical activity page.
DECEMBER | Prepare for next year
As you’ve made it through a year of safety tips, now is the time to reflect and plan for the year ahead. Review injury reports and look for common hazards you can address. Plan for any emergencies that could arise at your workplace.
Our emergency planning and response page has trainings, videos, and handouts for everything from wildfires and earthquakes to power outages.