It was revealed at an International Safety Association meeting that inquiries from companies have been made regarding the measurement criteria that is used to determine the expenses of workplace injuries and safety upgrades. While the incidents of on-the-job-injuries have dropped slightly, the rate of workplace injury-related deaths have not dropped. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 4,821 work-related fatalities occurred in 2014, the highest total since 2008, and some of these deaths likely occurred in Ohio.
There are safety measures that can be implemented to reduce this statistic. Companies are encouraged to implement improvements with several strategies. It was also reported that the use of individual safety gear takes precedence in many workers’ mind over other precautionary measures.
It is suggested that the most effective steps to reducing injury incidents include environmental control. If potential problems are evident, correct the issue, and implement better safety measures. Educating employees about how to look out for potential dangers and the importance of wearing safety gear while working is also recommended. Implementing these measures in this order should be at the forefront of organizational agendas. According to The Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, some of the reasons work-related injuries occur include slips and falls, impact with an object or equipment, and excessive pressure. The overall expense of workplace injuries was approximately $10 billion in 2013.
Despite all safety precautions, workplace accidents will continue to occur. Most employees who are injured as a result of one are eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, and they might find it advisable to have the assistance of legal counsel throughout the process.