Most countries celebrate Labor Day in May, but not in the USA. We have lots to celebrate, especially being a safety company, CSTC is happy to report that the industrial fatality rate has fallen by roughly 78% since the early 1900s. 5147 fatal work injuries in 2017, compared to 23,000 in 1913. Did you know that 594,000+ workers’ lives have been saved since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted in 1970. 

1882 was the year of the inaugural Labor Day celebration, when 10,000 workers assembled in New York City for a parade. In 1894 Congress made the first Monday in September a federal holiday. National unemployment rate in July 2019 is 3.7% compared to 9.5% in July 2019 (at the end of the Great Recession). 163.4 Million people aged 16+ are in the labor force, out of 327 Million living in America today. 

According to AAA’s Labor Day travel forecast, an estimated 35 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more last Labor Day weekend. Over 25% of Americans are planning to travel for Labor Day weekend. Sadly, this means a lot of possible dangers on the roads, the National Safety Council estimates that 420 people may be killed on US roads this Labor Day period. 

Driving Tips 

  • Ensure your vehicle is safe for travel, also do a simple safety check before driving. 
  • Plan ahead, and have alternatives routes available, leave early to allow yourself time to complete your travel, and be patient. 
  • Never drive under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs, legal or otherwise.  
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, bicycles, pedestrians, other drivers. 
  • Do not text/talk on your cellphone while driving. 
  • Stay alert, pull over and rest if needed, do not drive drowsy (similar to being under the influence) 
  • If the roads are wet, drive like it’s snowing. If the roads are snow covered, drive like they’re icy, if they roads are icy, then do not drive. 
  • If you cannot see the truck driver in their mirrors, they cannot see you. Give them extra space. 
  • Things to carry in your vehicle: emergency contact numbers, emergency medical needs, first aid kit, water, shelter/blanket. 

Grilling / BBQ Tips 

Over 102 million people will enjoy a cookout / bbq. With that in mind, here are some Grilling / BBQ tips 

  • Clean your BBQ before using it 
  • Check gas lines for cracks, holes and leaks 
  • Be careful with Charcoal and starter fluid, and lighters. 
  • Have baking soda on hand to help put out a grease fire, or a bucket of sand. Never use water to put out a grease fire. 
  • Grill outside and away from branches, trees, structures 

Water Safety 

  • With summer still blazing here in California, water is involved with a lot of Labor Day celebrations. Water safety is vital and should never be underestimated. 
  • Always swim with a buddy 
  • Ensure you have a water watcher – provide close and constant attention if you are supervising, avoid distractions like cell phones etc. 
  • Never leave children unattended, even good swimmers. 
  • Drink plenty of water 
  • Never drive a boat or swim while under the influence or drugs or alcohol 
  • Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. 
  • At the beach, always swim in a lifeguarded area. 
  • Close pool gates and fences to restrict access when a supervisor is not present 

Top 4 Labor Day Facts for 2019: 

55% of Americans left a total of 768 million vacation days unused in 2018. 

818 hot dogs are eaten every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

594,000+ workers’ lives have been saved since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted in 1970. 

$250+ Billion is the annual cost of worker injury and illness in the U.S. 

References:  

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/safety/labor-day-safety-tips/

https://wallethub.com/blog/labor-day-fun-facts/23742/

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html