According to the study, which was conducted by the Home Safety Council, factors of the severe economic impact of home injuries on employers include rising health insurance, life insurance, sick leave and disability costs, as well as the cost of hiring and training new employees. In fact, the study found that an injury that results in a hospital stay costs nearly $20,000, and a fatal injury costs an employer nearly $30,000.
Specific employer costs associated with this public health issue include:
- Employer health care (medical) spending: $15.8 billion per year.
- Sick leave and disability insurance: $11.8 billion per year
- Production slowdowns and training and hiring of new employees or retraining existing employees: $9.6 billion
"The enormous cost of unintentional home injuries may surprise U.S. employers," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "Home injuries affect worker morale as well as the company's bottom line. By arming the workforce with guidance and information to reduce preventable injuries at home, companies protect their most valued resource: their employees."
For more information and resources for home safety education, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.