Workers’ compensation (work comp) claims are an inevitable part of running a business, but did you know that many claims can be prevented through proactive safety measures? Businesses can help lower insurance costs and foster a safer work environment by understanding the most common claims and taking steps to address risks before they result in injuries.
Let’s dive into the top 10 work comp claims, backed by statistics and examples, and explore ways to reduce your exposure to costly incidents.
1. Strains and Sprains (40% of All Claims)
Strains and sprains are the leading cause of workers’ comp claims, often resulting from repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or sudden movements. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), overexertion injuries like strains and sprains cost U.S. businesses $13 billion annually in direct costs.
Prevention Tip: Train employees on proper lifting techniques, ergonomic workstations, and regular breaks to avoid repetitive stress injuries. Regular assessments of workplace conditions can significantly reduce these claims.
2. Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls can result in fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord damage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these incidents lead to approximately 244,000 cases of injury each year. For a construction company, a single fall can cost an average of $50,000.
Prevention Tip: Ensure floors are kept clean and dry, repair uneven surfaces, and provide employees with non-slip footwear in slippery areas. Installing proper signage and lighting can also reduce the chance of accidents.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries are common in jobs that require heavy lifting or poor posture during repetitive tasks. They can result in long-term disability, with the average workers’ comp claim for a back injury costing $40,000.
Prevention Tip: Implement lifting assistance tools, such as forklifts or back braces, and regularly educate employees on proper posture and lifting techniques.
4. Car Accidents
Employees who drive as part of their job are at risk of car accidents, which can lead to severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. In fact, work-related car accidents account for 40% of all work-related deaths annually, according to OSHA.
Prevention Tip: Enforce strict driving policies, including the use of seat belts and adherence to speed limits, and offer defensive driving training for employees who drive frequently.
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries
From office workers typing on a computer to assembly line workers performing the same tasks repeatedly, repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) can take a serious toll. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, costs employers $7,000 per employee in direct and indirect costs.
Prevention Tip: Offer ergonomic workspaces and encourage frequent breaks to reduce strain on muscles and joints. Using ergonomic tools, such as keyboards and chairs, can also help.
6. Electrocution
Electrocution claims are serious and often fatal. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that electrocution is one of the “Fatal Four” causes of death in the construction industry, accounting for 8.5% of all fatalities.
Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect electrical systems, train employees in electrical safety, and ensure they wear protective equipment when working with live wires or power sources.
7. Machinery Accidents
Machinery-related injuries can be catastrophic, leading to amputations, death, or severe injuries. Machinery accidents account for about 700 deaths annually and cause thousands of non-fatal injuries.
Prevention Tip: Proper training on equipment use, routine maintenance, and ensuring machine guards are in place can reduce the risk of accidents.
8. Chemical Burns
Chemical burns can occur in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or other workplaces handling hazardous materials. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 1,500 workers are hospitalized each year due to chemical burns.
Prevention Tip: Ensure employees use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, and provide thorough training on chemical handling procedures.
9. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noise is often overlooked, yet it’s a significant issue in industries like manufacturing and construction. OSHA reports that 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels annually.
Prevention Tip: Provide ear protection and ensure noise levels are regularly monitored to stay within safe limits.
10. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can result from flying debris, chemicals, or exposure to bright lights in industries like construction or manufacturing. Each day, more than 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment, according to the CDC.
Prevention Tip: Use safety glasses and face shields, and educate workers about potential hazards to their eyes.
How Being Proactive Helps Lower Work Comp Costs
Taking proactive steps to prevent workplace injuries doesn’t just protect your employees—it also lowers your work comp insurance premiums. By reducing the frequency and severity of claims, businesses become less risky in the eyes of insurers, which can translate to significant cost savings.
For example, companies that implement safety training programs have been shown to reduce injury rates by up to 30%. Additionally, some insurers offer premium discounts to businesses that go above and beyond in their safety efforts.
At The Redford Agency, we help businesses of all sizes manage their workers’ compensation claims and develop proactive strategies to keep their premiums low. From risk assessments to safety training programs, we’re here to ensure your employees stay safe and your business thrives.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you reduce claims, lower your insurance costs, and build a safer workplace for everyone.
Being proactive about safety is not only an investment in your employees’ well-being but also a smart business decision that can protect your bottom line. Let’s make workplace safety a priority—starting today.