Safety at Work
safety at work
Safe work, strong lives.
Work is a central part of our lives—we spend a significant portion of our time on the job. Our home, work, and community lives are deeply connected, each influencing the others. Employers play a vital role in creating safe working conditions that not only protect employees but also empower them to make safer choices on the job.
Safer workplaces are considered one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century. Thanks to labor laws that safeguard workers’ health, safety, and rights, we’ve seen significant reductions in injuries and fatalities in industries like mining, manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
Still, no job is without risk. Certain professions—such as farming, construction, and truck driving—carry higher chances of physical injury. In some fields, like law enforcement, farming, and fishing or hunting, job-related stress and access to firearms can also increase the risk of firearms-related suicide.
When workers are safe and healthy, everyone benefits. Safer workplaces lead to greater productivity, lower turnover, and reduced healthcare costs—strengthening both individual well-being and our broader economy. Organizational policies and company practices are key to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the workforce.
Center resources
Other resources
- Resources for protecting young agricultural workers (Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest)
- Total Worker Health (Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest)
- Agricultural health and safety topics (Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health & Safety)
Explore RPATs
Our Research and Practice Action Teams (RPATs) are topical areas of focus.