As the weather is warming up and some states begin to enter their COVID-19 recovery plans, the gleam of summer is beginning to shine through. However, there are still risks present in our daily activities. June is National Safety Month, and this year the National Safety Council is shining the spotlight on unique challenges including mental health, ergonomics, building a safety culture, and driving. The safety concerns during our current conditions relate heavily to our psychological well-being and adapted work environments. Participate in National Safety Month by following these five tips to stay safe this summer.
1. Carry Silent Beacon With You
Currently, our social environments are being altered to where we are at home more often, and there are less people around us to help if an emergency occurs. Despite stay-at-home orders, the same safety precautions still exist for your daily activities. Whether you are by yourself at home or in a public area with nobody around, our safety tip of the month is to carry the Silent Beacon wearable panic button with you wherever you go. It’s a safety panic button that allows you to get help in an emergency.
Silent Beacon is a wearable panic button that calls any number including 911 while sending multiple people your live GPS location. Different emergencies require different responses. Silent Beacon allows you to customize who you call for help, whether that’s 911, emergency services, a family member or friend, even phone numbers overseas. Send your GPS location in real-time via text, email, and push notifications to people who can help you in an emergency. We developed EASE for those of us with limited physical ability and for when we find our hands full. Blue lights illuminate to let you know the Beacon is connected and large alert buttons allow you to easily trigger alerts with just one touch.
2. Reach Out to Friends, Family or Professional Help If You or Someone You Know Needs Assistance.
The COVID-19 outbreak and its effects can create feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and more. After being isolated for the past few months, many people may encounter new struggles with their mental health or challenges while coping with existing issues. Stay vigilant of your well-being by becoming self-aware of changes in sleeping or eating patterns, constant worrying, or a pre-existing health condition worsening. Now is a great time to text or call friends and family members to catch up on each other’s lives. And alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety during this difficult time. Talking with others will remind you that you are not alone. Rather you will be reminded that you have a support system of friends and family who want to help you. Those may even be experiencing the same feelings.
While these social interactions are helpful towards improving our mental health, some issues require the help of professionals. Many therapists and psychiatrists are offering telehealth appointments that allow you to speak with a professional over the phone or on video from the comfort of your own home. There are also hotlines if you wish to speak with someone anonymously. During National Safety Awareness Month, stay cognizant of your psychological well-being, in addition to your friends and loved ones.
3. Put Time Into Creating Your Workspace in National Safety Month
COVID-19 caused a halt to many in-person work environments. It may change the future of how companies conduct business, whether that be face-to-face or virtually. The environment you work in has a tremendous impact on the quality of the projects you produce and your psychological well-being.
Invest your time and resources to create a working space that aligns with your needs. For example, buy a chair that supports your back while sitting at a desk all day. Purchase a light for areas that don’t receive sunlight. By putting time aside to build an ideal working environment, you can prevent problems like neck pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel, while also acting against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. While helping with your overall health, you will also be more motivated to start each project and maintain a good attitude throughout the workday.
4. Practice Driving Safely
Driving is the most dangerous activity we do on a daily basis. It is one of the only activities not affected by COVID-19 restrictions, as long as you are driving within your state. While there may be less traffic, the dangers of reckless driving remain the same.
Whether you are driving to the grocery store or taking a drive to blast your favorite song, you must stay vigilant of your driving behaviors and surroundings. With many indoor facilities closed, people are increasingly taking walks and playing in their yards, creating a heavier pedestrian presence in residential neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs. Do not speed past red or yellow lights without taking the appropriate precautions. Follow the posted speed limits to protect yourself and pedestrians in your area.
As some states lift COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings. it is understandable that many will be enthusiastic to socialize with their friends and indulge in an alcoholic beverage. However, you should never drink and drive. In all the excitement of planning to see friends and loved ones, do not forget to assign a designated driver. Or You can call an Uber or Lyft to drive you home.
5. Continue to Create a Safety Culture.
After not seeing friends and extended family for weeks, some states are lifting their stay-at-home orders and beginning Phase One of their recovery plans. While everybody is eager to re-enter into a life pre-COVID-19, we still have to engage in safe practices. Appropriate social distant gatherings with food and drinks are fun but do not overdo fun with alcohol. Assign a designated driver for all social events with alcohol, and practice safe drinking behaviors. Going out at night is a popular activity while the weather is warm, but ensure you will always be with a group. Do not walk at night alone, and be aware of your surroundings for yourself and others.
National Safety Month should be a time to reflect on mental health, ergonomics, building a safety culture and driving. Especially in the middle of a pandemic, we should all participate in practicing and maintaining a safe environment for the upcoming summer. Silent Beacon and these 5 clever tips will ensure a safe and exciting summer!
