Overexertion
These injuries occur from lifting too much, pushing, holding, pulling, holding, and holding. Of the total paid for workman’s compensation (WC) claims, 26.8 percent of the costs, totaling $13.61 billion were the cost for these types of incidents.
The best way to protect your employees from overexertion injuries. Assign more than one person or give proper tools for these kinds of tasks. The initial costs of this equipment have a great ROI through lowering workers’ compensation premiums. In some instances, these solutions cannot be used; when that is the case, make sure your employees have the right training on the best techniques to do these tasks.
Fall on Same Level
This is the second most frequent cause of injury to employees in offices, on construction sites, in factories and on oil rigs. In other words, they are ubiquitous in every industry imaginable. These “trip and fall” accidents account for 16.9 percent of costs paid out by WC and equals $8.61 billion.
Most of these accidents are entirely preventable. Make sure that the exterior of your property, including parking lots have no uneven concrete, potholes, or cracks. For your business interior, start a policy of good housekeeping. Files and desk drawers are always shut when not in use, extension cords do not cause tripping hazards by crossing aisles or doorways, keep carpets in good repair, immediately clean up spills and liquids, and use anti-skid flooring where possible. When hard surface floors are wet from cleaning or liquid spills, post warning signs until the removal of the hazard .
Bodily Reaction
These are accidents from injuries that stem from bending, reaching, standing, climbing, slips and trips without falling, and sitting. They make up 11.4 percent of workers’ compensation claims at an annual cost of $5.78 billion.
The best way to cut bodily reaction injuries is by getting rid of environmental factors that cause them. For instance, replace desk chairs with ergonomically correct ones, make sure work areas are kept neat and tools that are not in use are properly stored. Employers can encourage healthy lifestyles by offering free or reduced gym memberships. Train employees to avoid situations with prolonged time with unnatural posture.
Fall to Lower Level
This, the number four reason for WC claims and usually involves workers at construction sites. These accidents make up 10 percent of all claims and cost $5.12 billion.
Prevention of these accidents not only prevent injuries, but also deaths. Keep ladders and scaffolding in good working order. When they are not, do not allow their use until repaired. Frequent inspections and regularly scheduled maintenance are key to accident prevention. Supply workers with fall protection equipment when possible.
Struck by Objects
This group of injuries is responsible for 8 percent of total worker’s comp claims. The amount attributable to these incidents are $4.10 billion.
While the plurality of these accidents is also construction site injuries, there are some easy ways to mitigate their numbers. In offices and warehouse do not stack items so that are prone to falling. On construction sites, personal protection equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses or goggles and face shields help cut injuries by falling objects. Train workers to never work beneath heavy construction equipment while it is working such as hoists or cranes. Instruct employees to always wear their seatbelt while driving on company business.
Part of your worker’s compensation premium comes from your company’s experience in managing these and other risks. Each year, as part of your annual insurance checkup with your business insurance advisor, look over your WC rating and look for claims for similar accidents. Take corrective action, tell your carrier of those actions and have your advisor get WC quotes in states that do not make you buy into a state-run plan.
