Why do employees continue to be injured on the job?

Each year over three million (3,000,000 - BLS 2013) workplace injuries occur. Numbers are just statistics, but keep in mind that is someone's Dad, Mom, Son, Daughter, Brother or Sister. The big question is WHY! With all the modern safety systems, government regulations, company safety manuals, and required training, why do people continue to be injured just doing a job?

Most companies these days know it is not good business to have work-related injuries and make great efforts to prevent them. Workplace injuries take away from production, reduce moral of workers, raises worker compensation premiums, and can cost jobs from lost business.

In many cases it still comes down to the people doing the work. Not laying blame, but they ultimately drive the safety culture of a company. It can be the attitudes of the employees, "It won't happen to me," "It will just take a moment," or "I have to hurry up and get the job done." It can be management not aware of their actions giving the impression of "hurrying" to get the job done.

How do we change this mindset has been the million dollar question, or should I say billion dollar question as workplace injuries cost companies in the U.S. in excess of 250 billion dollars annually.

First, the employees have to understand the truth about being injured on the job. Knowing that "THEY" are not the only ones impacted when a workplace injury happens to them is an eyeopener for many. When they see how their families, friends, and co-workers are impacted, they see things different. And remember, "When you change the way you think about something, anything, then you will change your behaviors or actions."

Then the next step is to empower your employees to prevent injuries and incidents from happening. By listening to their concerns and encouraging them to speak up regarding safety issues, they become part of the solution.

This is what my book, The Good Hand; Impact of a Workplace Injury and Preventing It from Happening to You offers. It is a short, insightful read that every employee should possess in their safety tool box. It's now available on Amazon as well as my website. Learn more by ordering your copy today.

"People should be able to go to work, get the job done, and go home to their loved ones without getting hurt!"

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