New Jersey residents may be interested to know that workplace injuries of six weeks or more cost U.S. companies $62 billion in 2013. This is according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance.
One way to emphasize worker safety is to consider it a core value as opposed to just a priority. This sets the stage for making safety part of the overall company culture.
First, companies should ask themselves why safety is a priority. The most common answer is that people are valuable commodities. Using this answer as a starting point, many higher-ups in the company can start leading by example.
Among both office and field workers, muscle strain is one of the most common types of injury. This has lead some companies to implement stretching programs to reduce or prevent such injuries. Heat is another issue that needs to be considered, and it may be necessary to cancel outdoor projects if it becomes too hot to work safely. Employees should also be trained to recognize the symptoms of overheating.
Those who are injured at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Such benefits may replace some or all of a worker’s lost salary as well as pay for medical expenses related to their injury. If an injured worker has dependents, money may be available to help pay for their care as well. It may be worthwhile to talk with an attorney who may be able to review an employee’s workers’ compensation claim and help to secure benefits.
