About Us
The unique mission of the nationally recognized and award winning National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter is to promote safety and health by providing programs, resource services and education to reduce both the personal and economic loss associated with injuries, accidents and health hazards. While our primary focus is the Greater Omaha metropolitan area that includes Douglas, Washington, Sarpy, Cass and Pottawattamie counties, our annual reach through program attendance, member distribution, material/publications distribution and media is easily four million in IA, NE and beyond. With new safety knowledge gained by the almost 50,000 those who attend our special events and training become contributors to the safety in our community as they pay it forward. Through their actions they become contributors to the Greater Omaha safe community mission.
Founded in 1924 as the Omaha Safety Council, we have a proven track record for planning, implementing, and evaluating health and safety programs.
Through the leadership of the National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter, our 5 county area was designated a Safe Community by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 2007. Greater Omaha was the 4th designation in the U.S. and the 113th in the world to receive this designation.
Our partners are government, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency services, health care, schools, businesses and residents in the area. It is all these partners together which make up this organization which champions safety and health in Pottawattamie County in Iowa and Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, and Cass counties in Nebraska.
The Greater Omaha Chapter of the National Safety Council was first in Nebraska to provide defensive driving and today’s program serves more than 12,000 annually. Our behind-the-wheel teen driver education and motorcycle safety programs are the largest private programs in the state and are recognized for high quality. Under grant to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, we've built and continue to motivate an always growing statewide coalition of more than 500 individuals and organizations advocating safety belt usage. Our programs over many years have helped to dramatically increase safety belt usage to the 85% level.
These programs, along with other education programs, law enforcement and engineering have helped to successfully decrease motor vehicle crashes in Douglas County by 42% and motor vehicle crash injuries by 47% since 1998.
Accredited by the National Safety Council, we are annually recognized for excellent and innovative community safety programs.
In 2003, we began our work as one of 20 OSHA Training Institute Education Centers across the country. Named by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, the Greater Omaha Chapter and two other consortium members making up the Midwest OSHA Training Center (MOEC) serve OSHA Region VII providing the Outreach Training Program. This is a prestigious recognition and a remarkable distinction.
Almost 1,000 companies representing about 250,000 employees take advantage of our services through their NSC membership. Anyone can participate, however, members receive complimentary benefits and reduced training fees. The membership aspect indicates dedication to safety of a business and creates an immediate community audience through the member workers who go home to families every night (ripple effect up to 700,000). Hundreds of people concerned about safety volunteer for projects.
The Council is led by a 53 member volunteer board of directors and a staff of 126. One hundred (100) are part time instructors with education, skills and certifications that allow them to teach the wide range of courses from behind the wheel driver education to teens, motorcycles safety training, behavior modification programs, defensive driving programs, first aid/CPR, and occupational safety and health training. Hundreds of volunteers carry out the mission. Ultimately, the collective goal is to make the greater Omaha area a safe place to live, work, learn and play.
Twenty six staff members provide program leadership and support to 5 strategic units: community safety, conferences, occupational safety and health, court services (traffic, motorcycle, behind-the-wheel education and behavior modification programs) and membership providing activities on-site, off-site, open enrollment, on demand training and programs for all ages and ethnicities.
The Council’s operating budget is dedicated to: 54% safe driving, 34% safe working, and 12% safe living. We are a private not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
To promote safety and health by providing programs, resource services, and education to prevent and reduce both the personal and economic loss associated with injuries, accidents, and health hazards.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Omaha Chapter of the National Safety Council is to be the go-to organization for all aspects of safety and health information and programs for business, families and the community.
Preamble
The National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter, is a non-profit, community based service organization accredited by the National Safety Council.
The membership is composed of individuals, businesses, government and community organizations interested in the advancement and promotion of safety and health in the workplace and the community.
The primary service area is the Greater Omaha Metropolitan Area with selected additional assistance provided businesses and organizations outside the area as requested. The Council is an OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center, providing courses throughout OSHA Region VII.
Organizational Philosophy and Objectives of the Council:
Provide recognized leadership as the premier organization related to safety and health issues and concerns.
Provide driver education through classroom, hands on driving, and community awareness programs.
Provide training and resources for community safety which include an emphasis on school programs, fire safety, gun safety, home safety, child passenger safety and crime prevention.
Provide a focus on occupational safety and health, behavioral, and environmental concerns through the most current information, products, services and training pertaining to safety and health standards and regulations.
Act in an ethical and financially responsible manner reflective of the community trust given to the Council.
