A recent survey conducted by insurance experts revealed the most frequent and costly workplace injuries across industry lines. By reviewing key findings from this survey and adjusting their risk management practices accordingly, employers can maintain safer working environments and minimize potential injuries among their staff.
Key Findings
The survey, which compiled data from over 1 million workers’ compensation claims over a span of 5 years, found that nearly one-third (29%) of occupational injuries stemmed from overexertion-related incidents, followed closely by slips, trips and falls (23%). Other common causes of job-related injuries included struck-by incidents (12%), motor vehicle accidents (5%), and caught-in or -between incidents (5%). When looking at injury costs, the aforementioned hazards also contributed to the most expensive workers’ compensation claims, namely those exceeding $250,000. Above all, slips, trips and falls generated the costliest claims.
Newer employees were more likely to get hurt on the job, with 35% of occupational injuries affecting workers who had been in their positions for less than one year. These injuries resulted in more than 6 million lost workdays, significantly straining impacted organizations’ productivity levels. Certain industries experienced more lost workdays from occupational injuries than others. In particular, the construction, transportation, services, wholesale and manufacturing sectors recorded more severe injuries that prompted extended recovery timelines and, consequently, additional lost workdays. Dislocations, fractures, inflammation, strains and sprains, and contusions proved the most difficult to recover from, with 400 claims involving such injuries causing lost workdays.
Employer Considerations
It’s imperative for employers to review their occupational safety policies and make necessary adjustments, focusing specifically on protecting workers from overexertion and slips, trips and falls. Best practices include giving employees ample breaks throughout their shifts, offering adequate personal protective equipment, maintaining a clean and organized work environment with proper housekeeping measures, and encouraging staff to avoid rushing through their assignments or taking on more strenuous tasks than they can handle.
Employers should also prioritize employee training to bolster awareness of occupational safety hazards and related mitigation strategies, thereby reducing possible injuries. Newer employees may find this training particularly beneficial in light of their increased susceptibility to getting hurt on the job. In industries with higher injury rates, employers may need to implement further training requirements or mentorship programs to protect new staff.
To combat lost workdays from occupational injuries, employers should establish effective return-to-work procedures and workers’ compensation programs. In doing so, they can simplify the claims management process, support injured staff throughout their treatment and rehabilitation plans, improve their recovery outcomes, and find ways for them to resume work as swiftly as possible.
Be Sure
Contact the risk management experts at Deeley today for more occupational safety resources. Call or text us at 410.213.5600.
