August 2026

Back to School: Safety Starts Before the Workday 

As summer winds down and students head back to school, our daily routines begin to shift. School buses return to the roads, school zones become active, and sidewalks and crosswalks fill with students walking and biking to class. It's a great time for all of us to refresh our awareness and help keep our communities safe. 

Whether you're commuting to work, making deliveries, or traveling throughout the day, remember to slow down in posted school zones, remain alert for crossing guards and pedestrians, and always stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. A few extra moments of caution can make a significant difference in protecting children and preventing accidents. 

Back-to-school season is also a good reminder to discuss safety at home. Review bus stop expectations with children, encourage them to stay aware of their surroundings instead of looking at phones while crossing streets, and remind new teen drivers about the importance of eliminating distractions behind the wheel. 



Safety isn't just something we practice at work, it's a mindset we carry into our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. As we welcome a new school year, let's all do our part to help ensure every student arrives safely to and from school. 

Digital Safety Reminder for the New School Year 

Back-to-school season is the perfect opportunity to revisit healthy digital habits with your family. As students reconnect with classmates and spend more time online, parents and caregivers can help reinforce safe and responsible technology use. 

Consider these simple reminders: 

• Review privacy settings on social media accounts. 
• Encourage children and teens to think before sharing personal information, photos, or locations online. 
• Discuss how to recognize phishing attempts, scams, and suspicious messages. 
• Set expectations for respectful online communication and remind students to report cyberbullying or inappropriate content to a trusted adult. 
• Create tech-free times during the day, especially while walking, biking, or driving. 

Just as we prioritize physical safety in our workplaces, practicing good digital safety habits can help protect our families throughout the school year. 

Celebrate OSHA's Safe + Sound Week: August 10–16 

Safety is more than a program, it's a commitment that requires participation from every level of an organization. That's why TRMA encourages members to take part in OSHA's Safe + Sound Week, taking place August 10–16, 2026. 

Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event that recognizes the value of workplace safety and health programs while encouraging employers and employees to strengthen their commitment to preventing injuries and illnesses. Whether your organization has a well-established safety program or is just beginning to enhance its efforts, the week provides an excellent opportunity to engage your workforce and reinforce a positive safety culture. 

Consider participating by: 

• Holding a toolbox talk or safety stand-down. 
• Conducting a facility walkthrough to identify and address potential hazards. 
• Recognizing employees who demonstrate outstanding safety practices. 
• Reviewing emergency procedures and response plans. 
• Encouraging employees to share ideas for improving workplace safety. 

The most effective safety programs are built on communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Taking time to recognize Safe + Sound Week demonstrates your organization's commitment to creating a workplace where everyone returns home safely at the end of each day. 

TRMA looks forward to seeing how our member companies recognize Safe + Sound Week. Together, we can continue building stronger, safer workplaces throughout our manufacturing community. 

For more information on OSHA Safe + Sound Week, visit their website. 

Wildfire Smoke: Protecting Outdoor Workers During Poor Air Quality 

The Chicago area has experienced some of the most hazardous air quality in the country in recent weeks as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact the Midwest. While the haze may seem like a minor nuisance, the microscopic particles in wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks—particularly for employees who work outdoors or move between indoor and outdoor work environments. 

According to the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, reduce visibility, and even increase the risk of heart-related health problems. For workers performing physically demanding tasks, these effects can be even more pronounced. 

Employers should closely monitor daily air quality conditions and adjust work practices when air quality reaches unhealthy levels. Consider rescheduling strenuous outdoor work when possible, increasing rest breaks, limiting employee exposure, and ensuring workers recognize the signs and symptoms of smoke-related illness. When respiratory protection is appropriate, a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 respirator may help reduce exposure to fine particles, but it should be used as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program where required. 

Before beginning outdoor work each day, check the EPA's Fire and Smoke Map for real-time local conditions at fire.airnow.gov. Employees can also stay informed by downloading the free AirNow Mobile App, which provides current Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, forecasts, and alerts for their location. 

Additional guidance for protecting outdoor workers from wildfire smoke is available from the CDC's NIOSH program. 



As wildfire smoke events become more common in our region, monitoring air quality should become as routine as checking the weather. A few minutes of planning can help reduce exposure and keep your workforce safe and healthy. 

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Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA)

is a leading manufacturing association in the Chicago area focused on enhancing the manufacturing climate in the communities we serve.

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