When you run a small business, every dollar counts – and you don’t want too many of those dollars going to increased insurance costs. However, that’s what can happen if you have too many workers’ compensation claims.
What can you do to reduce the chances of a workplace injury amongst your staff? Knowledge really is power. The better you understand the danger zones in your place of business, the more focused you can become about your company’s safety culture.
Slips, trips and falls are the number one hazard
The biggest source of workplace injuries are slips, trips and falls. It’s easy to think that this risk only applies to people who work outside, climbing up ladders or working on roof repairs – but even office workers can be at risk.
You can reduce the chances of injuries by stressing the importance of things like:
- Wearing personal protective gear designed to protect falls (for employees who must work at heights)
- Ensuring that walking areas (inside or out) are clear of clutter and debris (including empty boxes, spare tools, stock that needs to be put away and so on)
- Ensuring that your workplace floors are well-maintained, which can include repairing cracks in cement or tile and making sure that carpets aren’t frayed or torn
Muscle strains and overexertion are a close second
Your employees can claim workers’ compensation for back injuries, knee injuries, shoulder injuries and damage from repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
How do you fight that kind of problem? Again, it comes down to stressing “safety above all.” Make sure that:
- Your workers are trained how to lift heavy items properly (without back strain)
- You encourage employees to ask for help when they need it (rather than risk an injury)
- You provide ergonomic furniture and equipment that will help relieve physical strain amongst your staff
- You stress the importance of taking breaks, when necessary, to avoid RSIs
Ultimately, workers’ compensation mitigation and defense is an ongoing process for every business. The more proactive you are, the better.
