Considering that worker's compensation may be your largest category of insurance cost, it is definitely worth your investment to minimize the risk of claims. By doing so, you will not only reduce your premiums and the number of claims you may have to pay, you will gain a safer and more productive workplace.

The number of claims filed by your employees directly affects your premium.  If you have a lot of injuries, your insurer will consider you a greater risk for claims and you will pay higher premiums. But a higher premium isn't the only cost associated with workplace injuries. Consider also the costs of replacing injured employees, training new hires and delaying  projects.

What are the Causes of Claims?

Think that the majority of injuries happen to workers who operate complicated  machinery, work with hazardous materials and use heavy equipment? Think again.

More than half of all workplace injuries are related to cumulative trauma  disorders (CTDs) caused by repeated motions and exertions that eventually lead to discomfort, pain and physical impairment. In fact, this category of injuries is the fastest growing class of worker's comp claims, with an average cost of $43,500 per claim.

In keeping with the growing number of workers who currently work at computer keyboards, CTDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which commonly affects  a worker's wrists and hands, have become more pervasive than all other  occupational diseases combined. Carpal tunnel syndrome now afflicts nearly two million workers and costs American business an estimated $20 billion  annually.

Adding to CTDs, other work-related stresses such as back problems, vision  problems like eyestrain, headaches and neck aches are costing employers  an estimated $100 billion annually. In fact, back problems are second  only to the common cold in the amount of sick days they cost American  business each year.

Minimizing Your Risks

Ever heard of the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound  of cure"? The consequences of not making safety and health an integral  part of your business can be very costly. Company policy should dictate  that safety is a core value of the organization. Not only will this help  save you money, it will improve the work environment, employee attendance,  morale, loyalty and performance.

Statistics show that by reducing stress and fatigue at the workplace through tools and equipment that fit the physical and psychological requirements and capabilities of employees (ergonomics), employers may reduce worker's  comp costs by one-half to two-thirds.

In addition to the tips listed below, agents are an excellent source for resources on improving workplace ergonomics, safety and health. Your  insurance carrier, worker's comp medical group or your local OSHA office  also may provide free consultation services. A final option is to hire  an independent expert to evaluate existing conditions and provide a range  of suggestions to improve them.

Tips for Reducing Claims and Increasing Safety

• Emphasize safety and communicate the importance of safety to employees
• Provide proper equipment, safety devices and protective clothing
• Train and retrain your employees in safe procedures and in how to  deal with emergencies
• Set up a safety committee made up of managers and workers
• Promote employee health by offering wellness and fitness programs
• Give employees a safety manual with mission statement, rules and safe  work procedures
• Conduct regular inspections of the facility to identify and correct  hazards such as poor lighting, unsafe storage and ergonomic standards
• Develop an effective system of accountability to ensure hazards are  remedied
• Train people in the correct way to lift
• Employ ergonomics by customizing the workplace
• Use adjustable workstations to reduce stress injuries
• Use properly constructed office chairs with good back and arm  support
• Reduce hazards by changing the way a job is performed, using new tools, rotating jobs or automating the job
• Train employees on correct posture and the correct way to use  computers
• Create return-to-work programs
• Stay in close contact with employees who are out with injuries
• Award and recognize safe operations
• Keep written road-safety procedures for those who drive a vehicle  for your business
• Keep detailed records of all accidents
• Include a discussion of the company's safety and health performance  as part of board meetings or annual reports
• Keep detailed safety records
• Investigate the air quality in your building
  
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