Taking safety training shortcuts may increase work-related injuries

01/28/09

This year more companies are responding to the recession by tightening budgets and eliminating costly training programs. While making cutbacks in employee safety training in could save money, it could also spell serious trouble.

Recent surveys have indicated that many companies are postponing, cutting back or even eliminating vital safety training for new and existing employees this year. It's a decision that could result in an increased number of workplace injuries or even fatalities, not to mention the additional financial burden of hefty OSHA fines and workers' compensation claims.

Labor officials have already seen evidence of this growing trend spreading across the country. In North Carolina last year, the number of workplace deaths rose by 31 percent after three straight years of steady decline.

With our growing economic problems, North Carolina labor officials are worried that the situation will only continue to worsen if companies don't change their ways. If they choose not to act, industry experts predict work-related injuries to sky-rocket, adding to the financial burdens companies already face.

It turns out that cutbacks in safety training are not the only factor contributing to this dangerous workplace trend. Companies looking to reduce labor costs are increasing the injury risk by replacing veteran workers with more novice, younger workers.

Workers under the age of 24 are more likely than any other age group to be treated in an emergency room for work-related injuries and illnesses, according to Department of Labor statistics. Cutting safety training will only broaden the gap and put more young workers in danger.

Even when times are good, most businesses don't have enough available resources to come back after being hit by the OSHA fines, workers' compensation claims and lawsuits that accompany a serious workplace injury. Make the investment in safety training to keep your business and employees safe.

G.Neil has responded to the trend by creating a line of labor law compliance products that help businesses fulfill OSHA training requirements while giving their budgets a break. Products like our new downloadable e-guide, How to Establish a Safety Program, will help you establish and maintain an OSHA-compliant safety program that protects your employees.