Many employers in New York focus on nothing but the bottom line. They might not realize that prioritizing workplace safety can significantly improve company profits. Every workplace injury has a negative impact on productivity, and every workers’ compensation claim increases insurance premiums. Safety authorities also suggest that employees who feel safe in their work environments are more productive than those who are always concerned for their safety.
Safety authorities say most workplace injuries are preventable, and if employers start by focusing on the causes of the most common on-the-job injuries, they will improve workplace safety significantly. Although the environments of different occupations vary – like chefs and construction workers – the same basic risks exist for all. The most common cause of injuries in all industries is overexertion, which follows excessive lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying. Improper techniques used for these movements cause many overexertion injuries.
Number two on the list of most frequently suffered injuries across all occupations is caused by slip, trip and fall hazards. In most cases, efficient housekeeping can prevent these injuries. From auto repair shops to office environments and oil rigs to hair salons, falls can cause severe injuries. Another common but less visible injury follows repetitive motions, which can affect a data capturer who operates a mouse and keyboard for hours on end or a factory worker on an assembly line or in a meat processing plant. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one type of repetitive motion injury.
While improved workplace safety might lead to fewer occupational injuries, they are not likely to be eliminated. For that reason, New York workers may find comfort in the knowledge that they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that will cover medical expenses and lost wages if they should be injured at work. Furthermore, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist with or navigate the claims process on behalf of the injured worker.
