3 Key Takeaways
- Rising Workplace Injuries based on Worker Experience: As the United States witnesses record-low unemployment rates, there’s a concerning surge in workplace injuries and accidents among both new and experienced workers.
- Understanding the Risk Factors: Explore the reasons behind these injuries, ranging from a lack of safety training for new employees to the surprising challenges faced by seasoned workers.
- Proactive Solutions: Discover effective strategies to prevent workplace injuries, protect your workforce’s well-being, and ensure productivity remains unhampered.
Introduction to Workers Experience
The US is experiencing historically low unemployment rates, leading to an influx of new workers. Unfortunately, many of these newcomers lack proper safety training, exposing them to workplace hazards that can lead to severe injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities.
According to a recent Travelers study, new workers within their first year on the job account for a third of all workers’ compensation claims, resulting in a staggering 7 million missed work days annually. Notably, older employees, aged 40 and above, also face increased risks, with claims costs 140% higher than their younger counterparts.
In this blog post, we will delve into the causes and solutions for workplace injuries among based on workers experience.
Experienced Workers
It is easy to understand why new employees are commonly injured on the job, but why are our experienced and skilled workers getting hurt? Studies have found that those experienced workers are more likely to take risks based on their experience.
As workers gain confidence, their perceived risk decreases, leading to a phenomenon known as “risk habituation.” For example, when a worker says, “I’ve been doing this for 20 years without injury.”
Claim Factors
Worker claims tend to be costlier due to the severity of injuries and longer recovery times. Age-related physical and cognitive changes can impair an older worker’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks. Factors contributing to injuries among older adults include vision and hearing loss, reduced muscle strength, slower response times, balance issues, memory problems, limited range of motion, and certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and hypertension.
Preventing Injuries Among Experienced Workers
To safeguard experienced workers, consider:
- Providing ergonomically designed equipment.
- Identifying common injuries and implementing safeguards.
- Investing in mechanical lift devices and proper posture training.
- Recognizing and respecting workers’ limitations.
- Encouraging open communication to address safety concerns.
Inexperienced Workers
Contrary to experienced workers, new employees are less likely to become complacent or deviate from their training. However, they face higher injury rates due to factors like feeling invincible, insufficient task knowledge, fear of speaking up, or not knowing about their rights.
Employer Requirements for Young Workers:
For workers aged 16 to 24, employers must:
- Comply with child labor laws.
- Provide hazard recognition training.
- Implement mentoring or buddy systems.
- Encourage questions and clear communication.
- Ensure safe equipment operation – label equipment that young workers are not allowed to operate.
- Inform young workers about injury reporting procedures.
Preventing Injuries Among New and Inexperienced Workers:
To protect new and inexperienced workers:
- Provide comprehensive training on hazard recognition and safe practices.
- Training topics: chemical safety, how to prevent fires, emergency procedures, what to do if they are injured on the job, and more.
- Emphasize adherence to safety rules.
- Pair newcomers with experienced mentors.
- Educate workers on injury reporting procedures.
Reducing Injuries and Claims for All Workers
Regardless of age or experience, a robust safety program is crucial. Regular workplace audits and employee training can prevent common injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, contusions, and dislocations. Collaborating with a workers’ compensation professional can help create an effective safety program suitable for all employees. Reach out to us at [email protected] and we can put you in contact with the right professional.