North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

Next celebratedSunday, May 2, 2027

Your safety matters! Join us in observing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, and let's build a safer workplace together.

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEFirst Full Week in May (Sunday to Saturday)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

Immerse yourself in promoting a safe and healthy work environment as we kick off North American Occupational Safety and Health Week on May 5! This important week had its inception back in 1997 in Canada and quickly spread throughout North America as more and more companies realized its value. The purpose of this special week is to highlight and emphasize the importance of injury and illness prevention in the workplace. Because who doesn't want safer workplaces? It's a fantastic initiative that encourages everyone to understand their role in fostering a safe work environment. So put on your safety hats and let's tackle occupational safety and health head-on!

TIMELINE

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week Timeline

Inception of the Week

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week was first observed in Canada as a strategy to emphasize the importance of a safe and healthy workplace.

American Recognition

American Society of Safety Engineers recognizes NAOSH week, widening its impact and recognition across North America for the first time.

U.S. Presidential Proclamation

The U.S. President issues a National Occupational Safety and Health Week proclamation, raising the profile of the week and reinforcing its importance nationwide.

Mexican Participation

Mexico officially joins in acknowledging NAOSH week, making it truly a North American initiative that encourages safer workplace environments.

Greater Public Involvement

NAOSH week starts seeing significant public participation and the promotion of various safety programs that help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

Attend a safety seminar

Consider signing up to attend a virtual safety seminar or workshop. Industry professionals will share strategies about how to reduce workplace accidents and create a safer environment for all.

ORGANIZE

Organize a safety audit

What better time than North American Occupational Safety and Health Week to perform a safety audit? Examine your site or office for potential hazards and work on plans to mitigate them.

HOST

Host a safety-themed lunch and learn

Plan a lunch and learn where coworkers can share their own safety lessons or experiences. Not only is this educational, but it also helps build stronger camaraderie among staff.

CREATE

Create a safety poster contest

Get your employees engaged by organizing a safety poster contest. The winning design can be printed and distributed throughout the workplace to remind everyone about the importance of safety.

ENCOURAGE

Encourage safety equipment use

Use this week to shine a light on the importance of safety equipment. Run checks to make sure everything is up-to-date and in good working condition, and encourage employees to always use the necessary safety gear.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is Important

Provides opportunities for learning & updating safety norms

Through workshops and talks by experts in occupational safety and health, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week serves as an educational platform. These informative sessions help workers stay up-to-date with the latest safety norms, techniques, and tools to ensure safety in their workplace.

Promotes awareness on workplace safety

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is pertinent as it raises awareness about the importance of maintaining safety in the workplace. Through various activities such as awareness talks and workshops, it draws attention to the essentiality of preventing accidents and promoting health within work environments.

Encourages active participation from everyone

The week drives for everyone's involvement. From conducting a safety audit to setting up a safety suggestion box, it ensures everyone partakes in establishing a safer working environment. This not only heightens people's sense of responsibility but also enhances the overall safety culture in organizations.

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