There were nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private employers last year, according to the Bureau of Labor. While the number dropped by about 50,000 from the year before, businesses could continue to see that number decline even more if they implement proper safety training and equipment.
The statistics:
- Of the 3 million nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported, 2.8 million (95.1%) were injuries.
- Slips, trips and falls accounted for 15.8% of all fatal occupational injuries.
- One out of five workplace injuries are back related.
- one-third of all workplace facial injuries are caused by metal object impacts. 27% of these cases result in bone fractures and tooth damage.
- There's been over 21,000 reports of hearing loss, making it one of the most common occupational health risks .
- 70% of hand injuries occurred when workers were not wearing gloves.
What's the cost of injuries and illnesses?
When someone thinks of workplace injuries and illnesses, the first thought that comes to mind is the direct costs. Most of these direct cost can be claimed under worker’s compensation insurance and/or disability insurance. Few seem to consider the indirect costs, which can be even greater than the direct cost.
Most notably, these indirect costs include the lost time of the injured employee. Other indirect cost consist of supervisors investigation into the cause of the accident, the replacement of damaged machinery and tools, the training of replacement employees and any legal fees that arise from the injury.
The National Safety Council estimates that the lost time associated with an average injury can costs about $30,000. Hearing loss, which is the most common occupational health risks can be close to $7,000 in total costs. While back injuries average $37,000 per case. It's hard to accept these cost when these types of injuries can easily be avoided. For example, 33% of back injuries can be reduced with proper strength testing and training.
Prevention
CoVest's MRO suppliers, MSC and Grainger,work with each member to identify the key safety items needed in their facilities and make sure those items are priced aggressively. CoVest supplier's Grainger and MSC not only offer safety supplies, but they ensure that our members have access to education on best safety practices.
MSC keeps your facility and workforce safe with high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other facility safety products. MSC features more than 30 product categories from leading safety manufacturers, including safety glasses, gloves, and clothing. To find out more about how MSC's products can help with workplace safety visit them at http://www.mscdirect.com
Grainger offers education that helps maintain workplace safety. Grainger's safety solutions keep your employees safe and healthy by demonstrating how to operate safer facilities. Grainger takes their safety education one step further and offers emergency preparedness solutions. These emergency preparedness solutions and products take care of the fundamental needs that arise before, during and after an emergency. To find out more visit Grainger at http://www.grainger.com
Obtain best-in-class pricing and continuous category management with both Grainger and MSC through CoVest Sourcing Network. Visit our website at www.covest.com to learn more.
