June is National Safety Month: Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
Heads Up!
June isn’t just about summer vibes and sunburns – it’s National Safety Month. In the world of telecommunications, safety doesn’t take a vacation.
Whether you’re in the field climbing ladders or behind a desk answering calls and emails, safety is everyone’s job. And no, hard hats don’t make great fashion statements – but they do save lives. So, let’s break it down and connect the dots on how we can all stay a bit safer this month.
Hard Hats and Hot Temps
Let’s start with the boots-on-the-ground folks. Our technicians and field teams brave the heat and install the services that keep our communities connected. Proper PPE (personal protective equipment) isn’t optional; it’s essential. Hard hats, high-visibility vests, gloves and harnesses aren’t just gear – they’re lifelines.
Pro tip: Inspect your gear regularly. If your harness looks like it survived a Jurassic Park encounter, it’s time for a new one. And remember, heat exhaustion is no joke. Water breaks and shade aren’t signs of weakness – they are important.
Sit, Stand, Stretch, Repeat
For those working indoors (we see you, office warriors), safety still applies. Long hours staring at a screen can sneak up on your body faster than a phishing email.
Simple tips:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Adjust your monitor height so you’re not impersonating a turtle.
- Stand up and stretch. Yes, even in meetings (bonus points if you get others to join in).
Ergonomics is the word – and it just means working smarter, so your spine doesn’t file a complaint.
Click with Caution
Now let’s talk cyberspace. Hackers don’t wear masks, but they’ll rob you blind with one click. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing threats, and staying alert is your first defense.
Key reminders:
- Use strong passwords (no, “password123” doesn’t count).
- Don’t click suspicious links. If it smells phishy, it probably is.
- Enable two-factor authentication. It’s like a deadbolt for your inbox.
If you wouldn’t open a sketchy package in your mailbox, don’t open one in your inbox either.
Safety Culture Starts with You
Whether you’re on a ladder or on a laptop, safety isn’t a one-person job – it’s a mindset. And it spreads. Speak up when you see a hazard. Share tips with coworkers. Praise someone for taking the extra step. It’s not about pointing fingers – it’s about protecting hands, backs and yes, even egos.
Also, don’t forget mental safety. Stress, burnout and constant pressure can be just as damaging as physical hazards. Take your breaks, set boundaries and unplug when needed. You’re not a modem – you don’t have to be connected 24/7.
Wrap It Up (but Not in Caution Tape)
This National Safety Month, let’s commit to smarter, safer habits – online, on the job and everywhere in between. In telecommunications, safety isn’t just another checkbox – it’s the backbone of every call we answer, every mile of fiber we lay and every member we support.
So, here’s your friendly reminder: Stay aware, stay prepared and stay pun-stoppable. After all, being safe never goes out of service.
