The Unexpected Cost of Accidents
When an employee slips, trips or falls, the cost to both the employer and the employee can be substantial. And, while these incidents have been declining over the past 10 years, they continue to be one of the most frequently reported injuries at work.
Posted in Business Insurance on Monday, January 11, 2016
In 2013 (the most recent year reports are available from OSHA), slips trips and falls accounted for:
- 25% of reported claims
- 15% of all accidental deaths
- 17% of disability occupational injuries
Most of these could have been prevented.
Cost to Employer
When a worker sustains an injury due to a slip, trip or fall, the costs to the employer include:
- Lost productivity
- Possible lost business
- Increased insurance premiums
- Cost to train a replacement
Cost to Employee
If the employer has workers’ compensation insurance, many of the employee’s medical costs will be covered. However, the employee may experience:
- Pain
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Depression
- Death
According to EHS Today, wet walking surfaces are the cause for slips and falls 55% of the time. The average time off work due to a fall is 38 days.
Prevention
The first step every business should take is to identify possible opportunities for slips, trips and falls. Prevention is the best defense against accidents and a few small changes can create a much safer work environment.
Safety measures include:
- Keep floor surfaces clean and dry
- Maintain clear aisles and passageways
- Minimize carpet and mat trip hazards
- Provide adequate lighting especially in hallways and stairwells
- Keep cords and hoses out of the way
While the actual cost of work-related injuries can be significant, workers’ compensation insurance is an affordable way to handle the financial aspect of work-related injuries.
To find out how your practice can benefit from workers’ compensation insurance, contact our experienced team today at 800-769-2000, ext. 8180.