In September of each year, FEM hosts its Safetember initiative to educate the construction industry on the most common accidents that lead to fatalities and ways to make the workplace safe. Safetember was initiated to draw attention to the high number of construction-related accidents and, more importantly, to educate both employers and employees in the prevention of such accidents. It is important to us as we firmly believe that every accident is preventable and that an industry with zero accidents is achievable.

The 2019 Safetember initiative focused on working safely at heights, as falls from heights is the second most-common cause for fatal accidents in the construction industry after motor-vehicle accidents – the focus of previous Safetember initiatives. Fatalities, as a result of falls from heights, are second only to motor-vehicle accidents and account for around 10 to 20 percent of total fatalities annually.

Through this initiative, FEM offered occupational health and safety officers, employers and businesses the perfect opportunity to learn more about falls from heights and preventive measures through its various information sessions held throughout the company in September. We engaged with industry experts and hosted sessions that focused on PPE, training and the required legislation to help everyone in the industry achieve zero accidents. The sessions were free to attend for anyone within the construction industry. Saiosh members received continuing professional development (CPD) points for their attendance.

We look forward to hosting more of these initiatives.