Keep poison prevention top of mind to avoid any poison-related accidents. Learn about common workplace hazards, prevention tips, emergency response, and who to call for help.
National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) is an annual observance in the US dedicated to poison safety, held during the third week of March. Officially proclaimed by former President John F. Kennedy in 1962, NPPW was established to raise awareness about poison prevention. Each year, a new theme highlights safety protocols and prevention tips.
Poisoning accidents happen in the workplace more often than people realize. Common signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness. Anyone can be affected—kids, the elderly, and even pets. Sometimes, all it takes is a mislabeling error or a small chemical spill to cause a serious poisoning accident.
That’s why the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) oversees National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) and raises public awareness about Poison Control Centers (PCCs) and the Poison Help campaign.
For 2026, National Poison Prevention Week is happening from March 15 to 21. The theme would be the same as last years: “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.” This theme highlights the importance of memorizing and saving the Poison Help hotline, as in an emergency, a quick call can provide businesses and private individuals alike the help they may need.
Poisonous hazards are everywhere, even in everyday household products. Many workplace equipment can be harmful or contain toxic chemicals if ingested, inhaled, or improperly handled. Here are some of the most frequent health risks associated with them:
Household chemicals – Paint thinner, paint remover, and furniture polish can be toxic if inhaled or accidentally ingested.
Medications – Taking the wrong medicine, incorrect doses, or mixing certain drugs can lead to poisoning.
Cleaning products and detergents – Bleach, ammonia, and other strong cleaners can cause serious harm if swallowed or inhaled.
Personal care products – Items like nail polish remover, hair dye, and certain skincare products may contain harmful chemicals.
Over-the-counter products – Pain relievers, cough syrup, and supplements can be dangerous if taken improperly.
Pesticides and insect sprays – Used to kill pests, but dangerous to humans and pets if mishandled.
Poisonous insect bites and stings – Some spiders, scorpions, mosquitoes, and even certain ants inject venom that can cause severe reactions.
Rotten food and food poisoning – Consuming spoiled food or contaminated meals can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious health issues.
Poison exposure can happen to anyone and at any time, so being prepared is key. To help, the HRSA provided the following poison prevention tips:
Ensure employees always have Poison Help or access to Poison Control in their phones or on company phones.
Keep toxic or dangerous equipment or materials in hard-to-reach places.
Store medicines and other personal care products in their original containers.
Download safety solutions that can assist in ensuring chemical safety.
Wear a face mask to avoid inhaling harmful substances and other environmental hazards.
Eliminate standing water and wear insect repellent to avoid infectious insects.
Use insect repellents to prevent bites; if bitten, stay alert for any allergic reactions.
Keep food at the right temperatures. Don’t leave refrigerated items out in temperatures over 40°F (5°C).
Avoid consuming anything that looks or smells off.
Raising awareness about poison prevention is crucial for poison safety because poison incidents can be easily avoided if the right protocols are followed. Here are some ways you can celebrate NPPW in the workplace:
Share HRSA advocacies on social media and around the workplace.
Invite professionals to give a presentation about the hazards in your specific industry.
Hold safety orientations and provide engaging training materials on how to properly use workplace equipment and who can use it.
Put warning labels on accident-prone equipment.
Follow proper waste disposal procedures in the workplace.
Keep handling equipment and other protective gear well-maintained and in proper working condition.
Familiarize your team with the safety protocols in case of emergency.
Everyone in your organization can celebrate NPPW with the help of innovative tech solutions. Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is one such digital platform that can help streamline equipment usage, medicine tracking, and asset management, ensuring safe poison prevention practices and organized documentation processes. Additionally, you can use it to create mobile-first safety checklists and courses for your workplace based on your organization’s or industry’s needs, making it easier to address specific poison risks, anytime and anywhere.
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