The Newer the Employee, the Harder the Fall - New Employees at Greater Risk for Injury

03/13/07

More than a decade ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 40% of workers who were injured had been on the job less than one year. More recently, in its 2005 report, the BLS numbers reveal that new worker injuries still account for almost one-third of all injuries reported by private industries.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), lack of information and training are the underlying causes for these accidents, the most common of which include head injuries, falls from heights, and injuries suffered while servicing equipment.

Training Is Key
Reducing the risk of injury and the possibility of an investigation at your workplace begins by instituting an effective safety program complete with training, reinforcement and rewards.

OSHA requires employers to train employees who operate a forklift, who will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens or other hazardous materials on the job, and who will be engaged in lockout/tagout procedures.

Training can come in several forms, with interactive methods, such as watching videos and CD-ROM presentations, leading the way in effectiveness.

Reinforcement can be done through periodic rescreening of training materials or displaying posters to serve as daily reminders of good safety habits. Rewards can be something as simple as a “Thank You” card when employees observe safety rules and procedures.

An Ounce of Prevention
Remember, safety is a serious issue, and OSHA isn’t kidding around when it comes to enforcement. Recently, OSHA has cited a major American water bottling company and proposed penalties totaling more than $160,000 following the investigation of a fatal accident in one of its facilities.

Implement a safety training program in your company today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your employees — and your company — are protected.