Injuries in the workplace are one of the major occurrences that we want to prevent. Workplace accidents have become detrimental in the growth and progress of a company, as well as its workforce, thus, in any measure, must be properly avoided and addressed upon.
Accidents happen when there is injury involved. In any given situation, a worker suffering fatality, illness or any change in his mental, emotional and physical wellbeing during his stay at work can be considered an accident. These situations are best reported to provide assistance and necessary actions for the victim and to prevent future occurrences.
There is also the possibility of incidence, wherein unfavorable circumstances happen without any resulting injury or fatality to the workers. Though these are considered safe and unharmed, these types of conditions also need to be reported.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released news on the number of occupational illnesses and injuries in 2015.
- About 95.2% are perceived as injuries in the total reported nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses.
- Around 75% of the reported injuries happened in the service-providing sectors, 25% of injuries occurred in goods-producing industries.
- For reported illnesses, about 4.8% belonged to the private industry, at a rate of 14.6 cases per 10,000 full time workers.
- There are about 64.7% of illnesses reported in the private industry with a rate of 12 cases per 10,000 full time workers.
- For goods-producing industries, total number of reported illnesses is at 35.4%, with a rate of 24.6 cases per 10,000 full time workers.
- In the public sector, an estimate of 752,600 illnesses and injury cases were reported at a rate of 5.1 cases per 100 full time workers.
How important is the reporting of workplace accidents?
One of the primary reasons to report an accident is to offer support and help to the people involved. Immediate call for help is crucial to ensure that their lives are not at risk and that the necessary medical actions are implemented.
Another reason is the prevention of future occurrences. Without any means to address the risk and find solutions, there is a greater possibility of recurrence of the accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers a Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines that indicates the purpose of the accident report to avoid recurrence once causes of the accidents were identified.
Reporting of both accidents and incidents happening in the workplace also reassures safety and protection among workers. Other workers can feel secured despite the accidents given the safety resolutions implemented to prevent future occurrences.
