National Safety Month Raises Employee Injury Awareness

Employee injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $200 billion in wages, lost productivity, medical expenses, insurance administration and costs for uninsured workers, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). In efforts to reduce the number of disabling and fatal injuries in and outside the workplace, the NSC designates June as National Safety Month.

(PRWEB) June 6, 2005 -- Employee injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $200 billion in wages, lost productivity, medical expenses, insurance administration and costs for uninsured workers, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

In 2003, 3.4 million people suffered disabling injuries on the job and 4,500 died from workplace injuries, according to the NSC. In efforts to reduce the number of disabling and fatal injuries in and outside the workplace, the NSC designates June as National Safety Month.

Safety where we live, work and play" is the theme for this June. The NSC encourages businesses to participate in National Safety Month by involving employees in awareness programs focusing on safety at work, home and in the community.

Injuries Occur in Every Industry

Injuries can happen in any workplace at any time," said Keith Lauby, G.Neil Safety Product Manager. People in every industry, not just manufacturing and laborers, can be seriously hurt on the job."

The U.S. has seen an expanding service economy in recent years and with that, increased injuries among service employees. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced the most days away from work due to injury and illness, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Accidental injury is not the only type of injury concerning employers. In 2003, workplace homicides increased faster than any other cause of worker fatality, according to the American Society of Safety Engineers.

Over one million employee injuries and illnesses in private industry also required recuperation away from work in 2003, according to the DOL. Many injuries involved sprains and strains from overexertion or contact with objects or equipment.

Preventing Workplace Injury

There are a number of ways companies can reduce injury-related costs and improve safety at work," Lauby said.

The NSC recommends some preventative actions businesses should take:     

- Prevent against slips and falls by keeping all aisles and walkways clear, installing proper lighting, cleaning up spills quickly and requiring employees to wear the right footwear.

- Properly train employees on every piece of equipment they will operate at work. Employees should know how to administer first aid or assistance in case of a medical or safety emergency.

- If an employees duties involve repetitive motion like typing or line work, provide short breaks, allow the worker to control the pacing, increase the variety of tasks, or provide job rotation.

Workplace safety should be a part of every companys philosophy," Lauby said. Companies should also acknowledge and reward employees for completing their safety training."

Managers can recognize employees safety achievements with awards such as pins, certificates, plaques and key chains.

Safe employees give back to their companies by bringing down insurance, liability and workers compensation costs," Lauby said.

Based in Sunrise, Fla., G.Neil develops and markets thousands of tools to manage and motivate people" to more than one million businesses nationwide. G.Neil specializes in products that keep employers out of court, HR forms and software, employment and substance testing, workplace safety solutions, and employee motivation products.

Contact:

Keith Lauby

(954) 846-8899

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