In the U.S., the number of workers’ compensation claims for non-fatal injuries has been on the decline. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nonfatal injuries/illnesses dropped from ~2.80 million in 2022 to 2.6 million in 2023, which is an 8.4% decrease.
Key factors contributing to this trend include improved workplace safety regulations, technological advancements in equipment, and an increased interest from companies to create safer work environments.
Per National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) data, the average workers’ compensation claim costs around $40,000. This is a sum that can be put to better use, especially by small businesses.
The best way to cut unnecessary costs is prevention, so moving forward, we’ll discuss four easy-to-implement steps that can help you reduce or eliminate workplace injury claims.
Here Are Simple Steps for Workplace Injury Claims:
1. Build a Safety-First Culture
A culture of safety isn’t something you can just post on a bulletin board; it has to be a core value of your business. This means that it has to start from the top.
As an owner or manager, you must be the most visible advocate for safety. Participate in safety meetings, point out potential hazards, and never, ever encourage or tolerate shortcuts. Next, make sure everyone is actively participating. Form a safety committee with representatives from different departments and make sure everyone’s story or opinion is heard.
Create an environment where employees feel comfortable and are encouraged to report hazards, near misses, or unsafe practices without fear of reprisal. The people on the front lines often have the best insights into what could go wrong.
Extra tip: Take corrective measures based on the data you collect. This encourages employees to continue being actively involved.
2. Implement a Comprehensive Safety Program
A strong safety culture needs a solid framework. And for this, you need a written safety plan that outlines your company’s safety policies, procedures for safe conduct, and protocols for reporting incidents.
Extra tip: For legal perspective on employer liability and workers’ compensation claims, consult experienced personal injury attorneys, such as the team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., who regularly handle cases arising from workplace and industrial accidents.
Please note that a safety plan is a living document that must be regularly reviewed and updated. This is why you must conduct regular risk assessments in every area of your business, from the warehouse floor to the office cubicle.
Look for physical hazards (e.g., wet floors, cluttered walkways), ergonomic risks (e.g., improper workstation setup), and psychosocial hazards (e.g., stress, burnout).
3. Focus on Training and Education
Your employees don’t just need training when onboarding. Each change in internal work processes, methods, and procedures should come with its own safety training.
Of course, people tend to forget what they don’t get to practice (workplace accidents are not a common occurrence), so companies must provide regular refreshers. Conduct periodic safety training for all employees and cover topics of interest for your specific work environment.
Supervisors and team leaders need additional training on how to identify and address unsafe behaviors and how to respond appropriately when an incident occurs.
Extra tip: To keep people engaged and interested, use a variety of formats, from hands-on demonstrations to videos and workshops.
4. Communicate Effectively and Proactively
You can have the best work safety protocols in the world, but if you don’t find a way to clearly communicate them to your employees, you’ve failed.
Start by being transparent about company safety policies and the workers’ compensation process. This empowers employees, reduces confusion, and builds trust.
When an injury occurs (accidents happen, no matter how much you try to avoid them), maintain regular contact with the employee who is off work. This shows that you care about them as a person, not just a claim. It can also help you stay informed about their recovery and potential return-to-work date.
You also need to be transparent with your insurance advisor. Work with them to evaluate your risk exposures and get advice on improving safety. They are a valuable resource for reducing both claims and premiums.
Wrap Up
Your best bet for cutting workplace injury claims is to focus on prevention. Build a solid safety culture, invest in proper training, and encourage employees to report hazards.
Simple steps like keeping walkways clear and using proper lifting techniques can dramatically reduce risk and save you from the financial burden of costly claims. It’s an investment in your people and your bottom line.
