National Poison Prevention Week is a federal observance held each year in the third week of March to raise awareness of poisoning risks and how to prevent them. Congress created it in 1961, and the President proclaims the week each year. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supports the campaign through its Poison Help program, which promotes the free, confidential Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
For employers, poisoning is not just a household issue. Workers handle cleaning products, solvents, fuels, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals every day, and exposures can happen through breathing, swallowing or skin contact. This week is a good time to make sure everyone knows what they work with and what to do if something goes wrong.
When Is National Poison Prevention Week in 2027?
National Poison Prevention Week 2027 is expected to run from Sunday, March 21, to Saturday, March 27. Under the 1961 joint resolution of Congress, the President designates the third week of March each year. Recent proclamations have set the week to begin on the third Sunday in March: for example, the 2024 proclamation designated March 17 through 23. Some calendars list different 2027 dates, so confirm with the presidential proclamation or HRSA's National Poison Prevention Week page.
Why It Matters at Work
Poisonings are common. According to the 2024 presidential proclamation for National Poison Prevention Week, Americans report more than 2 million poisoning cases each year. The proclamation also notes that federal packaging laws have helped reduce accidental childhood poisoning deaths by over 70 percent since 1972.
At work, the same principle applies: clear labels, proper containers and good information prevent exposures. Common workplace risks include:
- Chemicals transferred into unlabeled bottles or food and drink containers.
- Mixing cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia, which can release toxic gases.
- Carbon monoxide from engines, forklifts, generators and heaters in enclosed spaces.
- Skin absorption of solvents, pesticides and fuels.
- Eating, drinking or smoking with contaminated hands.
Fleet operations add fuels, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, battery acid and diesel exhaust fluid, often stored in shops and vehicles where labels can wear off.
How to Take Part
HRSA's Poison Help program offers free publicity materials, including a promotion planner, media and press release templates, a proclamation guide and social media graphics. It also encourages people to contact their local poison center and share poison facts with coworkers, schools and businesses. Ideas for your workplace:
- Post the Poison Help number. Put 1-800-222-1222 near chemical storage areas, first aid kits and in company vehicles, and ask employees to save it in their phones.
- Run a label check. Walk through shops, janitorial closets and vehicles to find unlabeled or poorly labeled containers.
- Review your SDS library. Confirm every chemical on site has a current safety data sheet that workers can reach on every shift.
- Clean out old chemicals. Dispose of products you no longer use through approved channels.
- Refresh HazCom training. Review label elements, pictograms and where to find SDS information.
- Extend it home. Share HRSA's tips on storing medicines and household chemicals safely, especially for families with young children.
Toolbox Talk: Know What You Are Working With
Use this outline for a 5-minute toolbox talk during National Poison Prevention Week.
- Read the label first. Every chemical container should show the product name, pictograms, signal word and hazard statements. If it has no label, do not use it and report it.
- Use the SDS. The safety data sheet tells you the hazards, the PPE you need and first aid steps. Know where to find it before you need it.
- Never mix or transfer carelessly. Do not mix cleaning products, and never put chemicals in food or drink containers.
- Protect all routes of exposure. Wear the gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection the SDS calls for, work with good ventilation, and wash your hands before eating or smoking.
- Know what to do. For a suspected poisoning, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. If the person has collapsed, cannot breathe or is having a seizure, call 911.
Discussion question: Can everyone here find the SDS for the chemical they use most, and how long would it take?
Related Requirements
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace to keep a written hazard communication program, label containers, maintain safety data sheets that are readily accessible to employees during each work shift, and train workers on the hazards of the chemicals they use. The standard is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System for labels and safety data sheets.
How SMS360 Helps
SMS360's Safety Data Sheets module gives your team one place to store and find SDS documents, with mobile access so workers can pull up chemical information on the floor or in the field. You can pair it with training tracking for HazCom refreshers, use digital inspections to check labeling and storage, and assign corrective actions when you find an unlabeled container or a missing sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Poison Prevention Week 2027?
National Poison Prevention Week is held during the third week of March. In 2027, it is expected to run from March 21 to March 27, based on the pattern of recent proclamations. The President confirms the dates each year in an official proclamation.
Who started National Poison Prevention Week?
Congress created National Poison Prevention Week through a joint resolution passed on September 26, 1961, which asks the President to proclaim the week each year. HRSA's Poison Help program, poison centers and community groups now promote it nationally and locally.
What is the Poison Help number?
The Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. It connects callers to their local poison center for free, confidential expert advice. Save it in your phone and post it near chemicals at work and at home.
