The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) recently reported that American businesses spend approximately $177 billion annually on costs related to occupational injuries and medical care.

Join companies across the country doing something about it Aug. 11-17 by participating in Safe + Sound Week activities. Contractors in the skilled trades are asked to recognize the importance of safety and health programs and keeping workers safe through several activities during the week.

The philosophy is that when businesses adopt effective safety measures, they can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards, preventing injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line.

This year, Safe + Sound Week will emphasize emergency preparedness and response, recognizing that emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. A workplace emergency is an unexpected event that poses risks to workers, customers, or the public, disrupts or shuts down operations, and can cause physical or environmental damage.

During the event, OSHA will provide resources to help businesses understand how to stay informed, develop effective emergency action plans, and prepare to respond when an emergency arises.

"Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injuries or illnesses, improving sustainability and the bottom line," OSHA officials noted in a press release. "Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help kick-start a program, energize an existing one, or provide an opportunity to recognize its safety and health achievements."

Contractors have the opportunity to plan and promote events for their companies and engage the community. Check out suggested activities, graphics, brochures, and other OSHA resources. A certificate and virtual commemorative coin are also available to recognize participating and successful organizations.

Any organization, regardless of size or industry, can take part in Safe + Sound Week to show their commitment to safety and improve their safety and health program. Last year, more than 5,000 businesses participated to raise awareness about worker safety and health.

Visit the Safe + Sound Week website to sign up to participate and for more information, resources, and tools, to help you plan and promote safety events.