Workplace safety is a concern of employees and employers in New Jersey. It’s important for both to understand how insurance companies assess the workplace risks associated with improving occupational safety and lessening costs.
During the past 10 years, the number of work-related illnesses and injuries has declined even as occurrences of fatalities have increased. In 2014 in the United States, there were a total of 4,821 workplace injuries that resulted in fatalities. Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, this was the highest number since 2008.
To reduce hazards that can result in death or serious injuries in the workplace, businesses should employ a layered approach to mitigating the risks. Properly identifying the risks that most frequently cause injuries that disable workers should be completed beforehand. The top causes include overexertion, falling, being struck by a piece of equipment or object and additional bodily reactions or exertions.
Once the causes have been identified, the multi-tiered approach should begin with the elimination of workplace hazards or substituting hazards for something less dangerous. In addition, employee education and signage should be implemented to separate workers from workplace risks. The last point at which risks should be mitigated should be through personal protective equipment. This can include respirators, safety glasses and hard hats.
Employees who are injured while performing their job duties could try to obtain workers’ compensation for medical expenses and lost wages during periods of recovery. An attorney may guide the employee throughout the process of applying for the compensation and handling any appeals if the application is denied. A lawyer may also assist an employee who received a permanent disability as a result of a workplace accident.
