Top Workers Compensation Claims:
Strains and Sprains
Doing a job-specific motion over and over can cause wear and tear on employee's joints. This puts strains and sprains at the top of the list for workers compensation claims. Know the type of motions and work your employees are doing and provide items to help avoid injury.Cuts or Punctures
Many workplaces have dangerous objects around. Falling against a sharp corner or other object can actually cut or puncture the skin. Encourage employees to keep an eye out for this type of object that can cause injury.Contusions
A contusion (or bruise) is another common workplace injury. A severe bruise can be very painful and commonly caused by a fall. In your workplace, work hard to avoid any tripping or slipping hazards to help avoid employees falling.Inflammation
Inflammation is a common bodily response to injury. Inflammation can actually be painful and may prevent an employee from being able to work. Work hard to create a safe work environment to avoid workers getting injured and/or inflamed.Fractures
Broken Bones or fractures do unfortunately happen on the clock. Usually caused by falling or being hit with an object, ensure your workplace is safe and employees know the proper protocol for safety to help avoid as many fractures as possible.
How to Protect Against Workers Compensation Claims:
Train On Safety Often
Ensure your staff has regular training sessions to promote safety. Cover any new safety protocol and review your current procedures. This can help ensure that safety is top of mind for all of your employees. While most new employees receive safety training during their initial training, it's best to have a refresher course on a regular basis.Go Over Safty Protocol with New Employees
When hiring someone to join your team, ensure they have been shown the proper safety protocol for all tasks. This is important to show how safety is a top priority for your new staff members. Putting a high importance on safety can help make it clear from the start of their employment that you take the safety of your employees seriously. Take the extra time to explain in detail the safety regulations you have within your company. Also, ensure each new employee fully understands what the safety protocol is and why it is in place.Look for Safety Improvements
Let your staff know that you are always on the lookout for safety improvements. Sometimes the people who do the job a daily basis can have great input for safety ideas to add to your company's protocol. Try to be open for employees to report faulty equipment. Let your staff know that you want to know when a piece of equipment is starting to fail, as this is a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed right away.Let Employees Be Your First Line of Defense
Encourage all of your staff members to look out for one another. If someone notices a lack of safety, please encourage them to report this. Keeping someone safe is important to all employees and the company as a whole. Also, a co-worker may be able to help point out a safety concern to a fellow employee in real-time and help prevent an unnecessary injury.A workers compensation claim can put a damper on things but with the right kind of protection, your business will be covered from workplace injury lawsuits. Our workers compensation attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help protect your business, should you be facing a workers comp case. Give Gibbons Law Firm a call today to discuss your business' legal needs.
Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
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Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
