Companies in New Jersey and throughout the country may be able to reduce workers’ compensation claims by implementing safety programs. They may also be able to reduce the severity of any claims that are made after they go into effect. Furthermore, companies that have fewer accidents may be able to pay less for a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Smaller businesses may benefit more from avoiding claims as even a single accident can significantly increase their rates.
According to OSHA, there are four things that companies should do when creating a safety program. These steps include training workers properly, identifying risks and taking action to minimize hazards. Finally, both managers and employees should be involved in creating and implementing a safety plan. However, employees are going to take their cues from management when it comes to how seriously they take such an initiative.
For example, if managers don’t take a safety plan seriously, workers may feel free to disregard it while on the job. OSHA may have resources available to companies that need help identifying hazards or taking steps to control them. An insurance provider may also offer resources to keep accidents to a minimum. Ideally, employees will be given the freedom to report hazards or to report near-miss accidents as they occur. This can help an organization learn from its mistakes and take action quickly.
Workers and employers generally have an incentive to ensure that no one gets hurt while on the job. Preventing accidents may result in both lower insurance premiums for companies and happier workers. However, those who get hurt or sick on the job may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Those benefits may make it possible to pay medical bills related to a workplace injury or illness and recoup lost wages.