Nobody likes to think about workplace injuries. In fact, most people don’t really believe something like that could happen in their office. The numbers tell a different story, though.
There were 1.153 million incidents of workplace injury in 2012 that required the employee to be off work at least a day. In many cases, those workers were gone longer. The median number of days lost to workplace injuries was nine.
Sadly, some employees were never able to return. A total of 4,383 Americans lost their lives in a work accident that year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
That’s why it’s so important for small business owners to reduce the risk of injuries and have a plan and an experienced team in place in case something bad does happen. And don’t forget that you have a legal obligation to do so. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), virtually all employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
An Ounce of Prevention
What are some of the best strategies for preventing workplace injuries?
Plan and document // Use the company manual to clearly outline the process and expectations for employees in the event of a workplace injury. Before an accident occurs, create a free relationship with occupational health providers like CorporateCare or OHS Compcare. List these provider relationships in the manual, including non-emergency clinics where employees should report for treatment. The manual should also include annual trainings and best practices for your workplace.
Get outside advice // Schedule a risk manager to visit your worksite annually to provide feedback on violations and potential areas of risk. Don’t have the money for that? Free and confidential consultation services are available from OSHA upon request.
Watch your step // Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Ensure the office is free from slip and fall risks, including cords in walkways or water puddles at entryways. Your sidewalks and parking lot must always be cleared and salted if employees are expected to work during inclement weather, too.
Give notice // By OSHA mandate, all employers must display the agency’s workplace safety poster in a conspicuous location. You can download a free copy at www.osha.gov/Publications/poster.html.
Making It a Priority Matters
Regardless of size, every business should actively encourage workplace wellness and safety. This low-cost initiative shows an investment in your employees and will make it the standard operating practice at your office. The more you emphasize safety, the more likely your employees will remember safety precautions—and help keep your workers’ compensation claims down.
That’s the good news about workplace accidents. Research shows 99 percent of them are preventable.
