The Importance of Workplace Safety

Injuries from walking-working surfaces accidents have high costs for both the employer and the employee involved in the incident. Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers' compensation claims, accounting for 12% to 15% of all expenses. It is estimated that slip and fall accidents cost employers approximately $23,000 per incident, and the overall compensation and medical costs associated with slips and falls are approximately $70 billion annually. Injuries also lead to higher insurance premiums for the company.

When employees are injured, there are also indirect costs to the employer, including:

• Wage costs related to time lost through work stoppage
• Wages paid to injured workers for absences not covered by workers' compensation
• Administrative time spent by supervisors after there has been an injury
• Costs for training replacement employees

The injured employee can also suffer from financial, physical, and mental costs, including the following:

• Lost wages for missed work
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Depression

The combined costs for workplace injuries are far too high to ignore the need for safety training.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.