National Safety Council Releases SAFER Framework Identifying Six Key Focus Areas for Employers During Reopening Efforts and Beyond

NSC calls on the Department of Labor to collaborate to ensure the safe return to work

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May 07, 2020, 16:16 ET

ITASCA, Ill., May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the National Safety Council released a framework summary for employers – based on recommendations from the SAFER: Safe Actions for Employee Returns task force – that identifies six critical areas employers must prioritize as they consider reopening and returning employees to traditional work environments. Based on dozens of corporate and public health protocols, recommendations and guidance resources, the framework provides a map that NSC urges the Department of Labor to adopt as part of its Opening America's Workplaces Again national online dialogue.

SAFER – a group of experts from Fortune 500 companies, leading safety organizations, nonprofits, government agencies and public health organizations – is the first national task force focused on worker safety. The framework is the task force's first output since its formation in late April and will provide the foundation for recommendations and guidance to all U.S. employers, including small and mid-size companies that may be in greatest need of assistance.

The six key areas identified in the framework are:

Physical Environments
Medical Issues
Stress, Emotional and Mental Health
Employment and Human Resources
Communication Needs
External Considerations

"This SAFER framework provides a solid structure for the business community to reference to ensure that safety considerations are at the forefront of their response to the pandemic," said Lorraine M. Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "We welcome the opportunity to share these actionable resources with the Department of Labor to help create a national framework ensuring the safety of every workplace across the country. We can accomplish so much more when we work together."

Since launching with 48 members on April 23, the SAFER task force has added 18 companies, organizations, associations and municipalities:

ABSA International
American Staffing Association
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)
City of Chesapeake (VA)
City of Phoenix (AZ)
City of Sacramento (CA)
ContourGlobal
Cosette Pharmaceuticals
Infectious Diseases Society of America
International Safety Equipment Association
ISN
ISSA - Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association
Jacobs
National Association of Realtors
Pysch Hub
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
Sodexo
Terex

For up-to-date information about the NSC response to COVID-19 and the task force's activities, please visit nsc.org/safer.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.

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SOURCE National Safety Council