Best practice of the week: 5.3.1 Worker Safety
In our focus on COVID-19, are we distracted from seeing other safety threats? Every year, work injuries cost industry $170 billion. In the public sector, it’s $ 159 billion. A safety-first attitude is not only ethical and humane, it improves an organization’s functionality, morale and performance. Don’t let one crisis create another.
THE CENTER’S BEST PRACTICE OF THE WEEK: 5.3.1 Worker safety
Definition of worker safety: “Keeping everyone being and feeling safe both physically and psychologically.”
Practice Summary
Firm-wide attitude
- Zero tolerance for injury – safety is a pre-condition for the work, not a priority
- Everyone is responsible
- Safety requests are not subject to budget review – potential threats are fixed immediately
Four-point plan framework
- Management commitment and employee involvement
- Worksite analysis
- Hazard prevention and control
- Training for employees, supervisors, and managers
Injury related costs
- Wage risk premium (higher wages paid for riskier jobs)
- Wage and productivity losses
- Medical expenses
- Administrative expenses
- Employers’ uninsured costs
3 Good Questions (discuss in a management meeting)
- How do you return to feeling safe after a problem?
- What role does compensation play in safety?
- How does safety differ among types of staff?
We know it’s hard to do, but now’s the time to ask, “What else could go wrong?”
