According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,405 fatal occupational injuries occurred at U.S. workplaces in the year 2013. While this is a staggering figure, it does represent a reduction in fatal injuries of nearly 25 percent since 2003.
Injuries continue to occur, however. In 2012, there were 905,690 days off resulting from occupational illnesses and injuries and these illnesses and injuries cost businesses nearly $170 billion a year. Companies are making safety a priority these days, and they’re taking the wise step to further reduce workplace injuries by partnering with organizations that provide safety training and certifications. These actions are helping to reduce injuries and fatal accidents – yet there still is a lot of work to do.
OSHA reports that falls are the leading cause of injury, yet violations involving insufficient respiratory equipment, substandard wiring and incorrectly used ladders also may contribute to OSHA fines. In fact, respiratory equipment violations alone contribute to more than $2.4 million in fines annually, with nearly 4,000 violations reported.
Smaller companies are at greatest risk – so make sure that if you do not provide your own training, that you partner with a reputable company that can provide safety training across a range of industries. It will certainly save you money in the long run – and it might even save a life.
The infographic below from the Asbestos Institute outlines the financial ramifications of violating OSHA policy, which can be quite devastating to businesses of all types and sizes.
