Afraid of Costly Workplace Accidents Ruining your Business?
Insurance premiums for workers compensation, as reported in December 2011 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cost employers $30.94 for every hour worked in September. Of this amount, $20.91 was spent on lost wages and salaries to employees who were missing in action for a period of time.
Other costs, such as lost production time and the increase in premiums for workers compensation insurance, are not included in the number.
The businesses are not the only ones who are hurt financially from accidents at work. Employees injured on the job, and their families, suffer a reduction in income during the period the injured employee misses work.
Workers in different industries suffer from accidents of varying types, depending on the hazards of the particular job. For instance, food service workers may suffer a higher rate of burns or slips on wet floors than an assembly line employee who works in a seated position all day long.
What can a business do to improve its safety record?
First of all, a business must learn to make safety an inherent part of its culture. Regular safety meetings, or mandatory online video training sessions, should be conducted no less than monthly. These should be short, about five to ten minutes in length. They should be thoughtful and pertain specifically to the employee’s particular work environment.
Injuries common to all businesses should be addressed regularly.
“Slip, trip, and fall” accidents are common among businesses. Employees need to know the company protocol for reporting hazardous conditions as they occur. Proper signage should be immediately available when a spill occurs or in cases of inclement weather. Make sure employees know that safety is everyone’s business.
Another common injury is a back strain, usually occurring because of improper lifting techniques. Not everyone in a company is responsible for lifting heavy objects, but proper lifting technique is necessary for even the slightest weight. Even when reaching for something relatively light, like a ream of paper, an employee can strain his back if he is turning or twisting while lifting.
The costs of business insurance vary greatly, and prices are competitive. Consult with online sources such as InsuranceQuotes.org to find out more about pricing. Regardless of the insurance company a business owner chooses, however, a good safety record and an employee training program help keep the costs down, leaving more room for a profitable bottom line.
