by Jami McNees
Our actions follow our thoughts. Have you ever noticed that the minute you decide to diet and stop eating junk food your craving for a Big Mac follows? But if the emphasis of your new diet is a commitment to eat healthier food then healthier eating habits follow. The same concept applies to work programs designed to lower Workers Compensation costs.
Which makes more sense in keeping your Workers Compensation premium as low as possible… a companywide “Accident Awareness” program or a “Safety First” awareness campaign? If the emphasis of a new program is on avoiding accidents, the focus is on ACCIDENTS and the end result might be the opposite of your desired outcome with accidents increasing. But when the emphasis is placed on SAFETY the result is more likely to be a safer more productive work environment.
Rather than instructing your employees with a list of DON’Ts, offer them a list of DO’s regarding work safety. DO use the “buddy lift” system when lifting a large box or carton to avoid back injuries. DO follow the instructions printed on the last rung of the ladder to avoid losing your balance. DO take the time to stretch every 45 minutes when sitting at your work space for long periods of time to avoid repetitive injuries. DO wear proper eye protection when using power tools or blowers to avoid eye injury. DO handle a knife or cutting blade angled away from your body to avoid cuts. Slips and falls are a major contributor to injuries in the restaurant industry and are number 1 in Workers Compensation cost increases. In industries in which dress code becomes a safety issue, such as restaurants and construction, provide visuals of the model types of shoes or clothing that will provide the most safety rather than instructions on what not to wear.
With your company’s goal to reduce Workers Compensation costs, put your company’s emphasis on SAFETY.
Jami McNees is with Temecula Insurance Services in Temecula. She may be reached at (951) 694-5200. www.temeculainsuranceservices.com