In the past few years, fatality rates and the most common job-related injuries have gone down, all thanks to an increase in safety and health measures.
According to OSHA, everyday occupation fatalities decreased from 40% to 15%. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure this number goes to zero.
So without further ado, here are the top 5 workers’ compensation claims: causes and how to prevent them amicably:
1. Slip and Fall
This accounts for around 20% of all workers’ compensation claims and is among the second most common causes of injuries among employees.
It mostly results from loose rugs, occasion spills, oily surfaces, and hazards, such as ice walkways or steps.
To prevent this, workers will need slip-resistant shoes. Most brands have already done this, though it is vital to enforce this and ascertain that the shoes are quality.
2. Being Caught in or Struck By Moving Machineries
Accidents may happen to everyone working with a heavy machine. This is common in industries or factories with construction and farm equipment.
Machines that are not guarded properly are basically a safety hazard. The outcome is disastrous when your body part gets struck by or caught in a moving part of machines without a protective guard. This may include blindness, severed fingers, and crushed hands.
A perfect way to avoid this mechanical hazard is to know that any machining process, function, or part, which may cause injuries should be safeguarded. Proper training and the use of protective clothing are also necessary.
3. Overexertion
This occurs when carrying, throwing objects, holding, pulling, lifting, or pushing objects. These injuries may cost businesses more than $15 billion or 25% of the general national burden.
In order to prevent injuries associated with overexertion, ensure you train your workers about safety encompassing physical tasks and provide them with ergonomic equipment.
4. Mental Injuries
Normally, psychological stress happens because of remote work, poor environmental conditions, low/high job demand, poor organizational management change, and low role clarity.
Workers’ compensation claims for mental health problems are higher than the average claim. The length of time off is around 16 weekends compared to 5.6 weeks for every claim.
5. Transportation Incidents
With 50,405 injuries, transportation incidents make up around 5.7% of all non-fatal workplace injuries. But they caused more deaths three years ago. These injuries are tied to automobiles and everything involving watercraft, bicycles, animals, railways, and aircraft.
Coverage for workers’ compensation is a little bit tricky when workers are injured in car accidents. Policies in general cover injuries if workers were driving during working outs. This may include running errands or making deliveries for their employers.
Preventing this kind of claim starts with assessing who is a risk. Only then will prevention measures become more established.
So concentrate on workplace designs, making sure every layout route segregates cars and pedestrians and makes obstructions visible.
Final Remarks!
Regardless of how much you get prepared, accidents may still happen, and workers may get injured. When this happens, ensure you are ready to offer them the care they require faster.
