Raccoons, crock pots, slippery sidewalks, and wasps — what could they possibly have in common? They might all seem harmless enough at first, but each one could lead to a workplace injury. Whether your employees are in the office, on a job site, or out in the field, hazards can pop up anywhere. The real question is: are you and your team prepared?
Working with WC claims for many years, I have seen just about every type of workplace injury you can imagine — and some are more memorable than others. One that stands out involved a landscaping crew wrapping up for the day. An employee spotted what she thought was a cute young raccoon watching her work. Unfortunately, the “cute” raccoon wasn’t so friendly — it bit her.
Thankfully, this employee had been trained in proper safety procedures. She quickly contained the animal to protect her team, sought immediate medical attention, and had the raccoon tested for rabies. The test came back positive, but because of her prompt actions and training, she made a full recovery.
This story highlights just how important safety training and preparedness can be. Even the smallest incident can lead to a serious injury — and those injuries can be costly. A single workers’ compensation claim could result in thousands of dollars in lost wages and productivity.
So, how can you help prevent accidents and protect your team?
As a business owner, your to-do list is never-ending. But ensuring your employees’ safety should rank right alongside making payroll. A strong safety culture not only prevents injuries — it boosts morale, reduces turnover, and improves productivity.
A few proactive steps today can help you avoid costly accidents tomorrow — and keep your team healthy, happy, and safe.
