Workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses almost $60 billion per year in 2014—more than $1 billion a week—according to the 2017 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. The top 10 causes of workplace injuries accounted for nearly $50 billion, or 83% of workers compensation costs. In addition to these direct workers compensation costs, a company may also face indirect costs related to lost productivity, a drop in employee engagement, and damage to its external reputation. For an employee, suffering a workplace injury can result in physical, emotional, and financial pain.
Whether you are a manager, supervisor, or business owner, there are things you can do to improve safety and protect yourself, your co-workers, and your company:
- Recognize the importance of workplace safety. As indicated by the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, workplace injuries negatively impact employees and employers alike. To reduce the risk of injuries, be aware of your environment and require employees to follow your company’s safety guidelines.
- Understand your company’s current safety performance. Learn the top causes of how people on your team and throughout your company get hurt so you can focus your safety, training, and communication efforts.
- Take action. When it comes to your work group, you have the best understanding of how work is done and why it is performed in that way. Partner with your company’s risk management or safety department to make your team’s job activities and workplace safer.
Click the squares below to learn more about the leading causes of the most serious workplace injuries.
Liberty Mutual Insurance is a leading provider of a full range of commercial insurance coverages and services to businesses of all sizes. Each day, the company helps customers protect their businesses and keep their workplaces safe for their employees.
This article was produced by Liberty Mutual Insurance and not by the Quartz editorial staff.