June marks the 30th Anniversary of National Safety Month, an annual observance spearheaded by the National Safety Council (NSC) to reduce preventable injuries and deaths. Throughout the month, organizations, employers, and communities focus on education, prevention, and action.
Since the National Safety Council originally declared June to be National Safety Month in 1996, this yearly celebration has grown to become a major occasion for workplace safety experts around the country. The 30th anniversary signifies not only three decades of awareness campaigns but also concrete advancements in workplace safety, such as notable declines in fatal occupational injuries, enhanced worker safety technologies, and stricter regulations guaranteeing safer workplaces. Workplace cultural changes acknowledge that avoidable injuries are unacceptable and prevent unavoidable expenses of conducting business.
Workplace injuries are still much too common despite significant advancements. Every year, millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries that require medical attention or cause lost work time, thousands of workers die from avoidable occupational injuries, and innumerable near-misses indicate systemic hazards that, if ignored, might result in major injuries or fatalities. The necessity to continue paying attention to workplace safety, address new risks as workplaces and technology change, and guarantee that new hires receive thorough safety training are the reasons why National Safety Month is still relevant today.
Effective workplace safety needs a persistent commitment to upgrading rules, procedures, and practices. Regular hazard assessments that identify new risks, near-miss reporting systems that record opportunities for preventive interventions, employee engagement that solicits input from frontline workers regarding safety concerns, and data analysis that reveals patterns suggesting systemic issues requiring attention are all components of continuous improvement.
The 30th anniversary offers organizations special chances to review safety advancements while recommitting to ongoing development. Historical viewpoints that demonstrate how workplace safety has changed over the course of three decades can spur further development, acknowledge long-tenured safety professionals who have devoted their careers to worker protection, and rekindle enthusiasm for tackling enduring issues that persist despite decades of effort.
National Forklift Safety Day: The material handling industry highlights safety and prevention during National Safety Month in June and the 13th annual National Forklift Safety Day on June 9, 2026. These observances focus on reducing preventable injuries, preventing warehouse falls, and enforcing strict OSHA powered industrial vehicle standards.
Targeted OSHA Emphasis: OSHA currently enforces a National Emphasis Program for warehouses and distribution centers. Inspectors are heavily scrutinizing material handling storage, forklift operations, and fire protection.
Open to all, National Forklift Safety Day 2026 on June 9 will continue the successful format established in previous years, featuring presentations from government representatives, safety experts, and industry leaders. This consistent approach ensures a valuable forum for sharing insights, reinforcing best practices, and advancing our collective commitment to forklift safety.

Weekly Themes For National Safety Month
To help structure safety initiatives, the NSC highlights aspecific focus area for each week of the month:
· Week 1 (June 1–6): Moving Safety
Forward (Forward-thinking strategies and safety cultures)
Advance a culture of safety with forward-thinkingstrategies and tools.
· Week 2 (June 7–13): StayingSafe on the Roads (Practical guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and fleets)
Help reduce crashes with practical guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and fleets.
· Week 3 (June 14–20): Promoting Holistic Worker Health (Mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing)
Support total worker wellbeing with insights on mental, physical, and emotional health.
· Week 4 (June 21–30): Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls (Hazard reduction strategies)
Reduce common workplace and home hazards with targeted prevention resources.
Get Involved
Individuals and businesses can participate by utilizing free
educational materials and taking actionable safety steps:
· Resources: Access campaign posters, weekly fact sheets, and 5-minute safety talks via the National Safety Council.
· Community Actions: Hold family emergency drills, learn CPR, assemble a first-aid kit, or take a defensive driving
course.
· Workplace Campaigns: Register your organization on the NSC National Safety Month Materials page to download curated videos, member-exclusive case studies, and the “Go Green for Safety” sign.
Click On The ►Links Below To See Some of
Custom Equipment Company’s Material Handling Safety Solutions
► Structural Galvanized Guard Rail
►Warehouse Safety Guard Rail System
►TAC Diamond Plate Anti-Slip Floor Tapes
►Social Distancing and Germ Protection Awareness Mats
►High Security Wire Partition Systems
►Woven Wire Mesh Partitions
►Woven Wire Mesh Security Cages
►Welded Wire Partitions and Security Cages
►Driver/Warehouse Access Control Cages
►Fork Deck Maintenance Platform
►Aluminum Dockboards With Steel Curbs
►Hook Plates Lifting Accessory
►Powered Drum Forklift Attachments
►479 Anti-Fatigue Workstation Mat Cushion Trax
►975 Anti-Fatigue Mat Cushion Trax Ultra
►Hazardous Materials Safety Cabinets
►Eyewash and Eye/Face Wash Units
►Self-Contained Portable Emergency Eye Wash



