When it comes to employee recognition programs, none are more important or impactful as well-crafted, properly executed employee safety programs.  Keeping employees safe at work should be an essential part of any organization’s mission, and we are proud to play a role in assisting our clients with this important responsibility.

June has been named National Safety  Month by the National Safety Council in an effort to raise awareness of what it takes to stay Safe For Life – thereby reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in our homes and communities.  NSC’s website offers a huge selection of topical (and practical) resources along these lines and is well worth your time to check it out.

Among these resources are two infographics dealing with preventable injuries in U.S. homes and workplaces.  The first, entitled A Lifetime of Risk lists the top risks by age group and offers common-sense measures to reduce injury and death.  Preventable injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., and some of these may surprise you.

• Under 12 Months -Mechanical Suffocation is the top risk, with more than 2 preventable deaths occurring per day (on average). To reduce the risk, have infants sleep in a crib, placed on their backs to sleep and keep stuffed animals and blankets out of the crib.
• Age 1 to 24 – Traffic Crashes pose the most risk. Nearly 21 preventable deaths occur per day (on average).  Buckle up every trip and make sure your passengers are restrained with appropriately-sized belts and safety seats.  Abstain from using electronic devices – including hands-free – while driving.
• Age 25 to 64 – Poisoning, largely from prescription pain medication. More than 92 preventable deaths occur per day (on average).  Ask your doctor about alternatives to prescription pain medication, and never share your prescriptions with friends and family.  If you have to take opioids, take the smallest dose for the shortest time.
• Age 65 and Older – The most prevalent risk to this group is falls, with more than 69 preventable deaths per day (on average). Non-skid mats should be used in the bath and shower, and grab bars should be installed near the tub, toilet and stairs.  Adequate lighting should also be utilized in every room, walkway and stairway.

Safety: Workplace Injuries by the Numbers

The second infographic is entitled Workplace Injuries by the Numbers.  The most common types of injuries keeping workers away from work are 1) sprains, strains or tears 2) soreness or pain, and 3) cuts, lacerations or punctures.  According to NSC, the top 5 occupations with the largest number of workplace injuries (resulting in days away from work) are:

• Service – Firefighters, Police
• Transportation / Shipping
• Manufacturing / Production
• Installation, Maintenance and Repair
• Construction

The top 3 workplace injuries (resulting in lost work days) are caused by overexertion, contact with objects and equipment, and slips, trips and falls.

• Overexertion – 35% of injuries caused by improper lifting or lowering, or repetitive motions
• Contact with objects and equipment – 25% of injuries caused by being struck by or against an object or equipment, caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, or being struck, caught or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment or material
• Slips, Trips and Falls – 25% of injuries including fall to a lower level and falls on the same level.

Being safe at work is very important, both for individuals and the organizations they serve.  According to NSC, here are U.S. workplace injuries by the numbers:

• Every 7 seconds – a worker is injured on the job
• Every hour – 540 workers are injured on the job
• Every day – 12,900 workers are injured on the job
• Every week – 90,400 workers are injured on the job
• Every year – 4,700,000 workers are injured on the job

In 2014, production days lost due to work-related injuries numbered a staggering 99,000,000.  With this in mind, have you considered your organization’s plan to develop a safe work environment?  If you have a program in place, is it effective?  Effective safety programs are the result of planning, training, communication and execution.   Contact us to find out more about employee safety programs and creating a culture of safety in your workplace.