While being injured in an accident at work may be the worst nightmare for employees and employers alike, workplace accidents are all too common; it is estimated that there are approximately 340 million accidents in workplaces across the world each year, with a further 160 million workers suffering work-related diseases and illness. With an estimated 2.3 million workers dying due to work-related accidents and illnesses annually, the human cost is clear – but what are the hidden costs of workplace accidents, and how can staff and employers reduce their chances of suffering an injury at work?
What are the costs?
Obvious – Because employers are required to compensate workers who’ve been injured at work through no fault of their own, the most obvious financial cost associated with workplace accidents is paying out compensation. Other costs that employers may be required to cover after an accident or injury include sick pay for injured employees and potential fines if they’re found guilty of malpractice or negligence by failing to meet health and safety standards. Employers may also have to cover the physical cost of repairing or replacing damaged materials, equipment or properties.
Hidden – Workplace accidents can lead to reputational damage, which can negatively affect businesses in multiple ways; typical hidden costs to take into account include reduced productivity, a reduced workforce, a lower employee retention rate, reduced turnover and potentially expensive legal fees if you need to make an appearance in court.
How to prevent accidents in the workplace –
As an employer – According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are obliged to report all instances of injury in the workplace and take appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of accidents reoccurring. Essential steps to take include creating health and safety protocols and providing adequate training for staff – employers must also provide staff with suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their job, whether that be safety footwear, hardhats or eye protection. Seek feedback and input from your staff, who may have a better understanding of the health and safety needs on the front line of your business.
As an employee – In order to improve their health and safety awareness and reduce the chances of suffering an injury at work, employees are required to attend all training sessions and ensure that they use provided PPE equipment, tools and machinery with care and caution. Never take on a task that you don’t feel you can manage by yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek assistance from your employer or colleagues wherever necessary. If you have concerns related to improper PPE or dangerous conditions in your workplace, don’t hesitate to report these to a superior in order to prevent potential damage or injury.
