WorkSTEPS

Today, we celebrate all the fathers and father figures who show up with strength, care, and dedication every day. Thank you — from all of us at WorkSTEPS.

Today, we recognize Juneteenth.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the end of slavery in the United States. It recognizes June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on this history and the ongoing work to build stronger, more equitable workplaces.

We encourage our team, partners, and community to take time today to learn and reflect.

Roadway safety doesn’t start when a driver gets behind the wheel. It starts well before the drive and includes what happens both in and around the cab.

For commercial drivers, performance is shaped by things like rest, focus, and how someone shows up at the start of a shift.

Organizations that see better outcomes tend to focus on those early factors and build simple habits into daily routines:

• Prioritizing rest
• Keeping pre-trip routines consistent
• Recognizing early signs of fatigue

Other considerations include creating a safety culture that supports lasting change and developing wellness programs that address driver needs at every stage of their career.

Explore more on this topic: https://okt.to/UHl9tg

Built for the Long Haul: Preventive Safety and Wellness Habits for Commercial Drivers - Fit For Work Preventive safety and wellness habits help commercial drivers reduce injury risk, improve ergonomics, and stay healthy for the long haul.

About 35% of workplace injuries happen within the first year—and many in the first 90 days.

Fit For Work's latest blog explores why new hire injury prevention starts before Day One.

When hiring, testing, and onboarding aren’t aligned with real job demands, early injury risk rises.

A better approach:
▪️Align post-offer testing with job demands
▪️Use data beyond pass/fail
▪️Connect HR, safety, and operations

➡️ Read more: https://okt.to/vqtcP1

Today, we take time to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Heat risk continues to impact both indoor and outdoor workers.

Last week, we took a closer look at why heat should be treated as an industrial hygiene hazard and built into risk management strategies.

As temperatures rise, it’s a good time to assess controls and reinforce your approach beyond awareness.

Read more: https://okt.to/du9sib

Heat injury prevention isn’t just a summer concern—and it isn’t limited to outdoor work.

Indoor facilities and field teams are both at risk when heat, workload, and PPE increase exposure. In this new occupational health series article, WorkSTEPS CMO Dr. Ben Hoffman, breaks down what employers need to know now.

✅ The four stages of heat‑related illness
✅ Key risk factors
✅ Practical prevention strategies using engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE
✅ What OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention standard could mean for employers

If you’re responsible for workplace safety or employee health, this is a timely read as temperatures rise and enforcement focus increases.

Read: Heat Injury at Work: Risks, Prevention, and Upcoming OSHA Regulations → https://okt.to/2ZE0JX

Heat Injury at Work: Risks, Prevention, and Upcoming OSHA Regulations - WorkSTEPS Heat injury prevention requires year‑round planning. Learn key risks and what OSHA’s proposed heat standard could mean for employers.

Today we celebrate the strength, care, and dedication of the incredible women in our lives. Thank you for everything you do — from all of us at WorkSTEPS. ❤️

We’re onsite for the Minnesota Safety & Health Conference — and we’d love to see you. Visit us in booth #300.

Also, don’t miss our session on Wednesday, May 6 (11:15 AM–12:45 PM CT):
“Speaking Safety at the Top: Building Executive Understanding & Support for Program Success.”

Presented by Terri Leigh Rhody and Carrie Parman, this session explores how stronger executive understanding and support can help safety initiatives achieve lasting impact.

Learn more: https://okt.to/3EAN0v

We’re looking forward to the Minnesota Safety & Health Conference, coming up May 5–6 at Mystic Lake Center.

If you’re attending, stop by booth #300. We’d love to connect and talk what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to injury prevention and building effective safety programs.

Learn more: https://okt.to/9vmkPC