One Billion Dollars Spent on Injuries a Week Toolbox Talk

One Billion Dollars Spent on Injuries a Week Safety Talk

Injuries on the job cost companies billions of dollars each year. According to the 2021 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, total worker's compensation costs reach $59 billion yearly. That’s slightly over $1 billion spent on injuries each week.

Overview of ten of the top injuries cited

The Liberty Mutual study reviewed the ten most common incidents that resulted in injuries on the jobsite and caused the highest direct cost to companies overall. Here is a list of the top ten incidents from most to least expensive.

The 5 following cases were responsible for 69.1% of the total cost responsibilities:

• $13.30 billion (22.7%% of the national burden) from work-related tasks such as lifting, pulling, carrying, pushing, throwing, or holding objects

• $10.58 billion (18.1%) from employees falling on the same level

• $6.26 billion (10.7%) from employees falling from a higher level to a lower level

• $5.61 billion (9.6%) from employees being struck by an object or piece of heavy machinery

• $4.71 billion (8.0%) from employees enduring injuries from other exertions or reactions

The 5 following cases that were recorded are responsible for 20.1% of the total cost responsibilities:

• Motorized vehicles causing roadway incidents

• Individuals who slipped or tripped without a fall occurring

• Incidents of individuals being caught-in or between equipment or objects

• Incidents of individuals being struck by an object or piece of equipment

• Microtasks that require employees to make repetitive motions

Worker’s compensation

Worker’s compensation is designed to help individuals cover any expenses that occur because of an injury sustained while on the job. Workers compensation also covers lost wages that you may have experienced due to missing work during the healing process.

You will likely not be covered for your full wages by worker's compensation. The estimated amount that you will receive is about ⅔ of what your normal wages would be. You have a certain time frame in which you have to file your claims to get that coverage. The coverage that is available will cover nearly all cases of injuries that occur while you are working.

What is not covered by worker’s compensation

Even in the event of an injury, violating best safety practices while working can result in you being denied worker's compensation wages. Examples of unsafe actions that lead to denied wages include:

• Being intoxicated

• Being under the influence of illegal drugs

• Purposefully injuring yourself

Also, if you are receiving worker’s comp, you shouldn't be working. The main reason that you are qualified to receive compensation is that you are too injured to do your job safely. If you are caught working while receiving this benefit, the consequences can be dire, including prison time for committing fraud.

Safety first on the job

It is important that every worker onsite follows the protocols, regulations, and guidelines that have been set for the job. Rules are put in place to keep everyone as safe as possible while working.

Some incidents cannot be avoided and will happen purely by accident, even when following the rules. But, if we make an effort, we reduce the likelihood of unnecessary injuries.

Always remember that neglecting to follow safety guidelines can result in injury not just to yourself, but to another employee.

Safety rules to follow

When you work on a construction site, you are at risk. Heavy equipment, tools, materials, and hazards are common on the jobsite, and all have the potential to cause harm at any moment.

Here are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Risk management - Construction risk management is an essential step to create a safe environment. Make sure workers are aware of all risks, especially those most relevant to the job at hand. That way, it is clear where they should use extra caution.

• Personal protective equipment - Everyone should know what PPE they are expected to wear. PPE is designed to protect workers for whatever task they are performing, reducing injuries. Some examples of different types of protection are gloves, eye goggles, ear protection, safety vests, steel toe boots, and hard hats.

• Setup of equipment - Make sure that all equipment is stored in a safe place. Secure all other areas of concern as well, such as stairways, scaffolding, and more. Construction sites can get muddy and cause slippery conditions. It’s essential to provide the right safety measures to create a safe environment.

• Create a safe environment - It is important to keep enclosed areas on the jobsite free of debris. The dust, dirt, fumes, and different hazardous particles that can be created onsite can cause harm when they enter these interior locations. Take the correct measures to ensure that the areas are protected and well ventilated.