According to the 2014 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, workplace injuries in 2012 created $60 billion in direct costs businesses in the U.S. Here are the top five injury causes that accounted for 65% of the $60 billion worker’s compensation costs.
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- Overexertion
Overexertion includes injuries such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing. Overexertion cost businesses $15.1 billion in workers compensation, more than 25% of the national burden. Invest in proper safety training to train your workers in tasks such as how to properly lift objects off the ground.
- Falls on the Same Level
Falls on the same level, such as tripping or slipping, account for $9.19 billion of the national burden. Conducting regular Job Hazard Analysis, and utilizing proper safety signage will help employers protect their workers from falling on the same level. Safety software can easily document the details of the Job Hazard Analysis conducted and companies can show compliance and diligence with the documentation.
- Struck by Object or Equipment
Employees getting struck by an object or equipment ranks third at $5.3 billion in business costs. Talking to your workers will give you the best insight on job safety conditions. By keeping an open communication channel, you can hear about the most pressing job hazards and may even get a great tip on how to increase operations.
- Falls to Lower Level
Employees falling to lower levels accounted for 8.6% of the national burden or $5.12 billion. Recently a company CEO was indicted for criminal charges and may face up to 25 years in prison for not providing his worker fall protection equipment, after the worker fell to his death while on the job. Make sure you understand the hazards your company places on your employee and be sure to hold up your responsibilities as an employer.
- Kneeling, Standing, Bending, Twisting
Bodily reactions from kneeling, standing, bending, and twisting ranked fifth at $4.27 billion. With the baby-boomer generation progressing towards retirement age, simple movements such as kneeling, bending, and twisting can cause discomfort and can develop into chronic disorders. Assess your employee’s fitness and age before allowing them to partake in high stress physical activities like lifting and carrying heavy objects.
