ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Safety in the workplace is of utmost importance and Monday, Gov. Laura Kelly made a proclamation to help raise awareness of just that.
Monday, Gov. Kelly officially proclaimed June 2026 as National Safety Month in the state of Kansas. National Safety Month is observed each June to raise awareness about preventing workplace injuries, reducing risks and creating safer communities. The proclamation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Kansas Department of Labor Division of Industrial Safety and Health to help save lives through safety education, hazard identification and proactive workplace practices.
“National Safety Month serves as an important reminder that workplace injuries and accidents are preventable,” said Allen Vinyard, Director of Safety. “By working together with public and private employers we can identify workplace hazards, correct unsafe working conditions and prioritize safety education. Kansas employers, workers and community partners play a critical role in preventing injuries and strengthening workplace safety statewide. We recognize the importance of workplace safety and encourage employers, workers and communities to remain committed to preventing injuries and promoting safe environments.”
The full proclamation is as follows:
“WHEREAS, the Kansas Department of Labor's Division of Industrial Safety and Health is committed to saving lives every day through their Safety and Health Specialists; and WHEREAS, Safety and Health Specialists provide training and education to workers to identify hazards, for management to follow-up on the hazards identified, and for company safety committees and employees to participate in problem solving and the implementation of corrective actions; and WHEREAS, a successful safety program depends on identifying hazards early, evaluating the risk, and removing or controlling hazards before they can do harm; and WHEREAS, accidents and injuries in the workplace are preventable and employees must be engaged, educated, and aware of unsafe conditions and behaviors; and WHEREAS, hazards that are left unattended because they produced no immediate injury can lead to serious or fatal injuries in the future; and WHEREAS, first-level supervisors and employees are the critical link to identifying hazards and maintaining a safe workplace; and WHEREAS, all employees can get actively involved through hazard identification and reporting; and WHEREAS, all employees play a role in keeping each other safe while protecting themselves, coworkers, and property; and WHEREAS, the State of Kansas encourages all employers and workers to contribute to this safety initiative and help make the State of Kansas a safe and healthy place to work.”
