Workplace safety may not be the most exciting topic in the world, but we’re in the Workers’ Comp business for a reason — accidents happen, and many times, they happen at work.
Not only does giving proper attention to workplace safety and employee well-being create a stronger workforce, it also decreases the potential for costly Workers’ Compensation claims. Whether you’ve just recently been assigned to ensuring workplace safety, or you are in the process of reviewing your current Workers’ Comp coverage, Direct WorkComp has gathered these essential insights to help you simultaneously protect your company and your workforce, both of which are good for business.
The Basics of Workers’ Compensation
Before we dive into the nuances of workplace injuries and why Workers’ Comp is necessary, let’s do a quick recap on the definition of Workers’ Comp.
Workers’ Comp is insurance designed to provide wage replacement, medical benefits and/or vocational rehabilitation to workers who become injured or ill in the workplace. By receiving these benefits through a contractor or employer policy, an individual experiencing an injury or illness due to job responsibilities gives up their right to sue the employer for negligence. Put simply, Workers’ Comp protects both the employer and employee from the financial consequences of a workplace injury or illness – workers can get the medical care they deserve, while businesses lower their risk for litigation.
Common Workplace Injuries
While the need for Workers’ Comp may be more understandable for a powerline mechanic or construction worker based on the work at hand, coverage is also necessary to consider for businesses that employ office workers. To help you think through the kinds of risks that may lurk within various settings, we’ve broken down examples across different industries.
Office Staff
Repetitive strain injuries (like the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome) are the most common among office employees. These injuries stem from the repeated use of an item or piece of equipment like a keyboard, causing symptoms like stiffness, swelling and general pain in the affected area. These injuries and strains can also be less obvious, like too much computer time causing eye strain, blurred vision and/or headaches, for example.
Slips, trips and falls are also common in office environments. Even office kitchenettes can be hazardous when floors are wet or cluttered. Accidents of this sort can lead to fractures, sprains and other mild-to-serious injuries.
Construction Contractors
OSHA names the “Big Four” occupational hazards for contractors as falls from elevations, being struck by an object, getting caught in between objects and electrical shock. The construction industry alone accounted for close to half of all fatal falls in 2022. Extreme heights and heavy equipment, commonplace on worksites, can result in spinal injuries, fractures and head trauma, among others.
Given the unique, and sometimes cumbersome, nature of the equipment and tools used by construction contractors, strain injuries are also common. Repetitive movements, lifting heavy items and incorrect usage techniques can lead to sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal problems.
Healthcare and Manufacturing
There’s a surprising amount of overlap in the types of injuries healthcare and manufacturing workers face in their respective jobs. For example, musculoskeletal injuries can result from moving and lifting patients or operating machines. Burns, both from chemicals and flames, are common within both industries. Of course, there are specific dangers to each, like exposure to infectious diseases and needle sticks in healthcare, and exposure to hazardous substances in manufacturing, so understanding the specific dangers in any job and industry is important.
In essence, every workplace holds some level of risk for workers, and understanding those risks is the key to safeguarding the workforce and business owners from serious injury and financial accountability in otherwise avoidable accidents.
Preventing Workplace Injuries
While the human element of workplace accidents means Workers’ Comp insurance may be important, there are simple steps to mitigating some of the risk.
Office Staff
Ergonomics is an applied science of designing and arranging workplace equipment for efficient and safe use. Ergonomically designed workstations can go a long way to preventing repetitive use injuries. Computer stations, chairs and desks should all be ergonomically designed to avoid as much strain on user’s body parts as possible. Standing desks and regular breaks where employees can stand up and walk around are great ways to stay stretched, keep blood circulating and stay alert.
Interactive lunch and learns, printed signs and manager-lead challenges can be a fun approach to creating a culture where proper equipment use is encouraged. Gamifying initiatives also makes it interactive, like a “stand o’clock” challenge for employees with standing desks, or a “burst your thirst” to encourage proper hydration for outdoor workers on warmer days. Reminding employees to promptly clean up spills and keep walkways clutter-free, especially in high-traffic areas like an office kitchen, can help prevent slips and falls.
Construction Contractors
Using the correct tools and equipment for projects is just as important as the training and safety regulations involved with them. Fall protection, like safety nets, guardrails and harnesses, needs to be carefully explained and demonstrated to be truly effective. Posting reminders and tips can also be helpful for keeping the proper use of tools and equipment top of mind.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable for high-risk exposures to harmful liquids, gases and other elements. Ensure workers wear the appropriate form of PPE for the task at hand, such as safety glasses, gloves and hard hats. OSHA requires employers to provide proper PPE; failure to do so puts employees at risk and can lead to legal consequences for the organization.
Healthcare and Manufacturing
While of a different sort, PPE for the healthcare industry is also critical for preventing the transmission of infectious disease from air particles, human secretions and contaminated equipment. The global COVID pandemic put a spotlight on how important specific patient-handling techniques and infection control practices can be to limiting the transmission and spread of communicable disease, for example.
Manufacturing companies have several safety management aspects to consider, like machine guards, lockout and tagout procedures for potentially dangerous equipment. Additionally, hazardous substance training can help mitigate the risk of everything from allergies to lung or skin cancer.
For more on mitigating risks for the common types of Workers’ Comp injuries, read our blog on the topic here.
Workers’ Compensation Regulations
While Workers’ Comp laws vary from state to state, there are general guidelines employers must typically follow.
Coverage
Companies in 49 of the 50 United States are required to provide some form of Workers’ Comp insurance for their employees. This can apply to seasonal, part-time and full-time workers. There are sometimes exceptions for agricultural employees, domestic workers and independent contractors, so it’s important to thoroughly research guidelines for your state or talk with a Workers’ Comp professional for details. Contact Direct WorkComp with any specific questions you might have about your state’s regulations.
Benefits
The disability benefits, medical care and vocational rehabilitation benefits offered through most Workers’ Comp policies are designed to help employees get back on their feet and on with their lives.
Disability benefits provide temporary or long-term financial assistance for employees who cannot work due to an injury or illness related to their jobs. Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are offered if workers cannot carry out their duties for a period of time. Permanent partial disability is for those who have a permanent injury but can still do some amount of work.
Medical care benefits cover all medical treatment related to a work incident claim, including hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits and prescription medications.
Vocational rehabilitation services help workers that cannot return to their previous job due to a workplace injury gain new employment.
Filing a Claim
While the law varies by state, reporting an injury to an employer must be done within a specific timeframe after the accident or incident occurs – in many cases 90 days – in order for a Workers’ Comp claim to be submitted. The company then has to submit the injury claim to their Workers’ Comp insurance provider within specified timeframe in the policy, and the employer also must comply with all additional requests for information. Quick incident reporting ensures the claim can be efficiently processed and the injured worker gets benefits sooner.
Employer Responsibilities
In most states, employers must ensure their Workers’ Comp policy covers all eligible employees and need to report workplace injuries to the insurance company within the required timeframe. They also must keep records of all Workers’ Comp claims and workplace injuries. Finally, the employer must work with their insurance provider to provide important information throughout the claims process, ensuring all injured employees receive access to the benefits they are entitled to without any resulting retaliation against any employee who files a claim.
Where to Start
Prioritizing the safety and well-being of your employees and contractors is a smart investment for you and the success of your business. Comprehensive coverage, combined with stringent safety measures, can help you create a foundation of reliability and trust in your business operations.
We know that understanding the risk for workplace injuries, preventing them and meeting state guidelines can be a lot. That’s why we’ve made it easy to get fast, easy and immediately bindable Workers’ Comp quotes based on your unique circumstances. You and your employees deserve to have protection, so start the process to get covered today!
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