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Did you know a quarter of workplaces injuries in Utah are caused by a simple slip or fall? That's right, not machine malfunction or structure collapse, but slick floors or unclear walkways are what lead to an enormous number of workplace injuries.
The good news is, this type of injury can also be easily avoided when employers are aware of the safety issues and take steps to address them. Here are 8 measures employers should take to improve their safety programs:
1. Obtain senior management's commitment to a safe workplace
2. Organize an employee safety committee
3. Develop an incentive program with monthly, quarterly, and annual goals
4. Require drug screens for all new hires, after every accident, and randomly for employees.
5. Investigate every accident and make the appropriate corrections to avoid a similar accident
6. Implement and enforce common sense safety rules relevant to your type of business
7. Communicate a caring attitude to your employees
8. Establish a mandatory seatbelt policy
Ray Pickup, the CEO of Workers Compensation Fund, endorsed these steps, explaining, "Keeping workers safe requires a consistent, diligent effort by employers, who have many competing priorities. But it is worth the effort."
He went on to say, "Employers who maintain safe work environments enjoy . . . the satisfaction that they have spared people and their families the pain and tragic difficulties that frequently accompany serious accidents."
The cost of trips and falls
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studied the health costs--both direct and indirect — of occupational injuries and illnesses and discovered they added up to a whopping $250 billion a year.
Compare that to other annual health costs like the $219 billion from cancer, $174 billion from diabetes, and the $63 billion from strokes. Suddenly those simple trips and falls seem a lot more severe.
"Most injuries are preventable," said Charles Pugh, vice president over safety and health for WCF. "I encourage companies to look at their risks, even simple risks. . . . Small preventable measures can make a significant difference."
Small changes make big differences
Some employers have already begun making changes and the drastic decrease in their claims reports demonstrates their success. According to third quarter reports of 2014 from WCF, claims exceeding $500,000 decreased by 42 percent from the previous year and fatalities were down 14 percent.
The WCF attributes the decrease in fatalities and serious injuries to employers’ safety efforts. Based on the results, on November 17, WCF will issue a second five percent dividend in 2014. With the second dividend, policyholders will have received back 10 percent of their premium for the year.
When it comes to workplace safety, there's more than money and insurance claims at stake. These numbers represent vast numbers of workers who lose wages, experience pain and suffering, and whose families are also impacted. Creating a safer workplace isn't just good for business; it's good for the world.
For more free safety resources, visit wcf.com. Katie Nielsen received her bachelor's in English with an emphasis in technical writing. She has taught English and is a published writer.
