Business owners in New Jersey, especially those faced with fast-paced work environments, probably know how easy it can be to become nonchalant about the risks that lurk behind everyday actions. When inattentiveness is combined with poor safety training and hazard prevention, however, workplace injuries become more common. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that 2,000 eye injuries occur every day in workplaces.
There are five good tips that business owners and site managers should take to heart if they want to turn this situation around. The most important is strong leadership in forming a safety culture. Owners should also take control and find out what workers know about federal safety guidelines and corporate policies. This could take the form of a survey.
From this, employers can create an ongoing safety training program. Management could also schedule pre-shift huddles, creating a forum where employees can speak up about hazardous equipment, cases of near-injuries and more. Lastly, supervisors can consider informal, one-on-one discussions with each employee since some may be less comfortable bringing up concerns in a large group.
A safer work environment means lower workers’ compensation costs, lower medical costs, increased productivity and improved employer branding. With clear processes in place for identifying hazards, workers will be protected.
When work-related injuries do arise, however, victims may want to exercise their rights to compensation. The workers’ compensation program may reimburse victims for medical bills, income lost during the physical recovery and other losses. If payments are denied, a lawyer could help mount an appeal.