Interested in keeping your employees safe AND keeping money in your pocket?
Every year millions of workers are injured while on the job. Many of these injuries result in permanent disability claims that ruin lives and put businesses out of operation.
The truth…
Most injuries at work are preventable. Taking the proper precautions can save lives and keep your business running smoothly.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why workplace safety should be your top priority
- Understanding the cost of workplace injuries
- Top 6 safety tips for business owners
- Building a culture of safety in the workplace
Why Workplace Safety Should Be Your Top Priority
Imagine hurting one of your employees so badly that they can’t return to work.
Injuries causing time off work are bad enough. But when an employee is permanently disabled from a workplace accident it impacts them – and your business – for life.
Not sure how serious of an issue this is?
Think again.
Permanent disability claims can:
- Dramatically increase your insurance premiums
- Take months or years to settle completely
- Take away precious productivity from your business
- Ruin your relationship with employees and their families
If you have an employee who has been seriously injured at work and is pursuing a complex injury claim, consult with a workers comp attorney out of Fresno who understands your obligations as a business owner and can help ensure you’re taking care of your employee.
Workplace injuries are far too common.
In 2024, U.S. employers reported approximately 1.5 million work-related injuries. Millions of people are impacted by these injuries each year.
Understanding the Cost of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries aren’t just bad for employee wellness. They also cost businesses BIG bucks.
According to the National Safety Council, injuries that happen in the workplace cost the U.S. more than $176 billion in 2023. That equates to roughly $1,080 per worker paid to cover the cost of workplace injuries.
But wait… there’s more.
The hidden costs associated with workplace injuries can actually surpass the direct costs. These include:
- Training temporary workers to cover absent employees
- Lost productivity while employees are recovering from injuries
- Damage to equipment or property during the injury incident
- Decreased employee morale
- Lawsuits
If you do the math, prevention is clearly the way to go. Every dollar you spend on safety programs now can save you multiple dollars in the future.
Top 6 Safety Tips for Business Owners
Implementing these 6 tips will greatly reduce the risk of injury for your employees.
Plus, you’ll protect the health of your business at the same time.
Hold Regular Safety Meetings
Spend a few minutes at the start of every shift discussing safety protocols.
Review what hazards might be present that day and how to avoid them. Remind employees to report any hazards they identify.
But don’t stop there.
Make safety a topic of discussion every single day. Employees should feel comfortable talking about safety at any time.
Train Employees on Safety Protocols
Proper training reduces the risk of injury on the job.
Make sure every employee knows how to do their job safely. This includes proper use of equipment and awareness of potential hazards. Assume no one knows this information until they’ve proven they do.
Hold regular training sessions.
One training session isn’t enough to keep information fresh in employees’ minds. Schedule frequent training to ensure everyone stays up-to-date on best safety practices.
Ensure Employees Have Access to Quality Safety Equipment
Don’t cheap out on safety equipment.
Give every employee the proper safety equipment for their job. Everything from hard hats to gloves should be comfortable and durable.
Ill-fitting equipment won’t be used.
Establish Clear Safety Guidelines
Post safety guidelines where every employee can see them.
Remove any confusion about safety protocols by creating a document that outlines safety guidelines for your employees. Include topics like injury reporting procedures, who to contact in case of an emergency, and consequences for not following safety protocols.
Place these guidelines where every employee will see them daily. Repeat safety expectations often to help everyone internalize them.
Encourage Employees to Report Hazards
Employees see hazards you may not.
Build an environment where employees aren’t afraid to tell management when they identify a safety concern. When workers feel comfortable coming to you with issues, you can fix them before someone gets hurt.
Don’t just ask once.
Ask employees weekly if there are any safety hazards they’ve identified. Better yet, incentivize employees to identify workplace hazards. Even a little reward can encourage a safety minded culture.
Perform Daily Equipment Maintenance
Faulty equipment is a leading cause of worker injury.
Twice a day, walk through your work space and inspect equipment for signs of damage. Lubricate equipment moving parts and check for anything missing or loose.
If something looks wrong or isn’t functioning properly, fix it before someone gets hurt.
Repairing or replacing a few parts now can save you from expensive lawsuits later.
Implement Ergonomic Safety Practices
This one’s often overlooked by employers…
Did you know that nearly one-third of workplace injuries are caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
MSDs include injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, and spinal discs. They can be caused by overextending, repetitive motions, or staying in one position for too long.
Some common workplace injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Tendonitis
Evaluate workstations for ergonomic risk factors. Provide ergonomic chairs, lifting devices, and mats as necessary.
One last thing…
Providing a safe work environment for employees is critical to success as a business owner.
Employees who feel safe at work are more likely to be engaged and productive. That means more profit for your business.
Plus, if someone gets hurt on the job because you didn’t provide a safe work environment, you could be sued.
Build a safe work environment and everyone wins.
Building a Culture of Safety in the Workplace
Posting safety guidelines isn’t enough.
Build a culture where every employee feels responsible for not only their own safety but everyone else’s safety too.
It all starts with you.
If you make safety a priority, so will your employees.
Have regular discussions about safety. Celebrate your team when you hit milestones like accident-free months. Make it known that no deadline is more important than an employee’s health.
Need a reminder?
Safety is a lifestyle, not a destination.
Once you build it into your everyday operations, you’ll never look back!
Wrapping Things Up
Building a safer workplace is one of the best things you can do for your business.
Not only will you keep employees safe, you’ll keep money in your pocket. Implementing the tips above is simple and can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Perform daily safety audits
- Train employees on safety procedures
- Provide quality safety equipment
- Establish clear safety guidelines
- Encourage employees to report safety hazards
- Properly maintain equipment
The cost of prevention pales in comparison to what you’ll spend if an employee gets seriously injured at work. Spend the money now so you can have your employees around to celebrate next year’s holidays.
