Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Slips, Trips and Falls Plague School Districts and Increase Work Comp Premium

Employee slips, trips and falls are pervasive in Missouri’s schools. In 2011, MEM received more than 2,000 claims originating from these types of incidents. Injuries that result from slips, trips and falls can be physically painful and costly. Perhaps what hurts the most is that these injuries are preventable.
Slips, trips and falls are a major cause of employee injuries in Missouri and the second-most common work-related injury in the United States. A U.S. Department of Labor study shows that the average cost for treating slip, trip and fall injuries is $28,000. The good news is that you can do something about the frequency of slip, trip and fall injuries.
Prevent slips, trips and falls where they start.
  • Stairways and ramps
  • Loose tiles, loose carpet squares or worn out floor runners
  • In close or direct proximity with young children
  • Around storage areas, table or chair legs
  • In restrooms or kitchen areas with wet floors
  • Parking lots, curbs and gutters along sidewalks and school entrances
Take action now to prevent future injuries.
  • Review your workers compensation injury records and the financial impact.
  • Download safety resources from our school safety tutorial and share them with staff members.
  • Add a safety tip during regularly scheduled meetings.
  • Survey all walking and working surfaces for potential slip and trip hazards.
  • Plan ahead, and be prepared to keep walking and working surfaces safe during winter weather.
  • Require slip-resistant footwear when working both indoors and outdoors.
  • Send regular safety-related emails and texts to all employees.
Encourage employees to be an active part of their safety every day.
  • Report slip and trip hazards immediately.
  • Keep work areas organized and free of trip hazards.
  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Walk slowly and avoid running.
  • Use handrails on stairs, and don’t carry boxes or items that block your view.
  • Use ladders properly, don’t over-reach and do not stand on chairs.
  • Wear over-the-shoe ice cleats when needed.
  • Wear rubber-soled shoes with tread when working or walking outdoors.
  • Report all injuries immediately.
Implementing these safety strategies in your buildings will have an impact on the health of your employees and your bottom line. Is your experience modifier rate over 1.0? If so, your school is experiencing too many injuries and paying more for workers compensation premium than other safer schools.
Your safety efforts must improve in order to get control of injuries and associated insurance costs. ConstructionInsuranceTOGO can help your school create a plan to reduce injuries and control workers compensation costs.
Read more at worksafecenter website

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