It’s no secret that sustaining a work-related injury can be a huge setback, both physically and financially. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2017 alone. And while some injuries are simply unavoidable, there are a few key facts that businesses should be aware of to help prevent them.
This article will discuss 4 vital facts businesses should know about work-related injuries.
Proper Training and Equipment
One of the most important things businesses can do to prevent work-related injuries is to provide their employees with proper training and equipment. Employees should be properly trained in how to safely perform their job duties, and they should be given the appropriate safety gear to wear while doing so. By ensuring that employees are properly protected, businesses can help reduce the risk of work-related injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides detailed information on employee training and safety gear requirements. Businesses need to be familiar with these requirements to create a safe work environment.
In addition to providing proper training and safety gear, businesses should also create procedures for safely handling hazardous materials. Employees should be properly trained in how to safely handle hazardous materials, and businesses should have procedures in place in case of an accident. By taking these precautions, businesses can help to prevent work-related injuries.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a kind of protection that gives advantages to workers who are harmed or become sick because of their work. Advantages can incorporate clinical costs, pay substitution, and passing advantages. Workers’ compensation is regularly mandatory in most jurisdictions, meaning employers should give inclusion to their workers.
The most common way to provide coverage is to purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Business owners should be aware of the basics of workers’ compensation and how it can impact their business. It’s important to have the right coverage in place to protect your business and employees.
If you need to cover your employees but don’t have a policy in place and are probably worried about the cost, you may not have to worry so much, the WIN Injury Network can help with free workers’ compensation insurance for businesses and your employees. This will protect you from being sued by your employees in case of an accident at work. More so, it will save you the cost of having to pay for their medical bills and time off from work.
Reporting Work-Related Injuries
It is the law for employers to report any work-related injury, regardless of how minor, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This allows OSHA to investigate the workplace and determine whether any safety hazards need to be addressed. The employer is also required to provide the injured worker with a written notice of their rights, which includes the right to file a complaint with OSHA if they believe their employer has not adequately addressed the safety hazard. This is important for businesses to know because it can help them avoid potential fines and penalties from OSHA.
More so, it can create a safer work environment for employees, which can lead to increased productivity and morale. Though, if an injury occurs, businesses should know that it’s critical to report it and take the necessary steps to mitigate any potential safety hazards in the workplace.
Prevent Work-Related Injuries
Work-related injuries are a reality for many businesses. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries that can lead to long-term disability or even death. As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with work-related injuries and take steps to prevent them from happening in your workplace. It’s also important to know what to do if an injury does occur so that you can ensure your employees receive the medical treatment they need and minimize the impact on your business.
More so, being up-to-date on work-related injury prevention can help you avoid potential liability claims. Though, accidents do happen, and even the safest workplaces can’t always prevent them. However, by being proactive and taking steps to reduce the risks, you can help keep your employees safe and your business protected.
Work-related injuries can be costly and devastating to both the employee and the employer. Businesses need to have a clear understanding of the risks associated with work-related injuries, as well as the potential costs. By implementing safety measures and having a solid plan in place, businesses can help protect their employees from potential harm.
