Workplace injuries are a concern for business owners all year round, but the winter weather can lead to more accidents than usual in snowy locations. While many people must deal with heating bills and bad road conditions, winter weather brings a notable increase in injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, and fractures, often resulting from slips or inadequate warm-up before demanding tasks. Consequently, there's a surge in workers' compensation claims, which can become overwhelming.
To protect your team and safeguard your business, revisit your workplace safety policies and make sure your employees are informed about the latest safety protocols and best practices. While this might seem mundane, implementing a few simple reminders and precautions can significantly reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries and ensure a safer working environment for everyone.
Winter Workers’ Compensation Claims
According to Business Insurance Magazine, studies have shown that winter weather can make slippery conditions a severe threat to workplace safety. More than 20,000 people suffer snow or ice-related injuries every year, and outdoor workers such as snow cleanup crews, construction workers, and truck drivers are among the most vulnerable.
Essentially, the ice isn’t very pleasant for businesses. These slips and falls pose dangerous threats, potentially causing employees to need medical attention and miss work, leading to costly expenses for you and your business. The time off and potential compensation claims can hurt your cash flow, not to mention the likely need to give out overtime to employees who need to cover for workers injured on the job.
Protect Your Company This Winter
It’s essential to protect your company as much as possible. You can do this by developing and enforcing a policy specifically designed for cold weather conditions. This policy should outline the procedures for working in cold environments, including guidelines on when to stop outdoor work due to extreme weather and the proper use of heating devices. In addition, you can safeguard your staff through:
- Maintaining clear and safe work areas: Regularly check and ensure that all workspaces, especially outdoor spaces, are free from ice and snow. Frequent shoveling and salting can help prevent slippery surfaces from forming. Additionally, keep walkways, entryways, and loading docks clear to reduce the risk of slips and falls and ensure a safe and more efficient work environment.
- Emphasizing safety among employees: Conduct regular safety meetings and training sessions to stress the importance of protecting yourself and others in the workplace. Encourage employees to be vigilant and report any potential hazards. Reinforce the idea that safety is a shared responsibility and that every team member plays a vital role in maintaining a safe work environment.
- Providing appropriate clothing and footwear: Ensure all workers have access to weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. This includes items with better traction to prevent slips and falls, as well as insulated, waterproof boots and gloves for those working in cold conditions.
- Offering regular warm-up breaks for outdoor workers: For employees who must work outside, it's important to provide frequent breaks to warm up, especially in freezing temperatures. During these breaks, offer access to a warm, sheltered area.
- Supplying fresh, dry clothing: Ensure workers can access dry clothing, particularly those exposed to snow, freezing rain, or other wet conditions. This includes providing extra socks, gloves, and even coats if necessary. Keeping spare clothing available can prevent hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.
- Regular equipment checks: Ensure that all equipment, especially those used outdoors, is regularly checked and maintained. Cold weather can affect the functioning of machinery, so it's crucial to ensure everything is in good working order to prevent accidents.
- Empower your team: Offer weather-specific training, providing information on how to quickly treat or get help in case of a cold-related illness or injury. Include safety information such as recognizing signs of frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia.
Staying proactive in your efforts is a great way to help prevent workplace injuries. However, a few are bound to happen. When injuries occur, acting swiftly and efficiently is crucial, as workers’ compensation claims are time-bound. Immediate assistance should be provided to the injured worker, ensuring they receive the necessary first aid or medical attention. Following this, it's essential to distribute the relevant paperwork to the injured employee, including workers' compensation claim forms and any other necessary documentation.
It's also important to gather accounts from any witnesses, as their perspectives can be invaluable in understanding the incident and helping avoid similar situations. Compile a comprehensive report that includes details from the injured employee and any witnesses, ensuring it covers every aspect of the incident. Finally, maintain clear communication with your insurance provider and your state's workers' compensation board, ensuring you follow state-specific deadlines and procedures.
How GMS Can Help
Workers’ compensation rates can be costly, especially for small businesses. With insurance ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars per employee annually, finding ways to lower costs while still providing quality coverage can be difficult.
If you spend a lot of time – or even worse, not enough time – trying to find ways to lower workers’ compensation costs, a professional employer organization (PEO) like GMS may be a good fit for you. Our experts can work with you to develop loss prevention and cost containment strategies to protect your business and make your workplace safer, ultimately helping to lower your rates. Contact GMS today to talk with one of our experts about workers’ compensation.