An analysis of Protective’s workers’ compensation claims produces results that correspond with OSHA'S most-cited violations in a significant area: falls. More than 40 percent of worker compensation claims were associated with some type of slip and fall.

Top 2018 Claims

35% strain/sprain

• 31% multiple body parts
• 24% lower back
• 16% ankles
• 16% knees
• 14% shoulders

29% slip and fall: not specific
13% slip and fall: same level
12% motor vehicle accident
12% repetitive motion

How can you help your employees in staying safe, on their feet and on the job? Following are ideas to help mitigate the most common claims. Additionally, ask your Protective Representative about a visit with one of our loss prevention and safety specialists. They can provide even more suggestions to make your workplace as safe as possible.

Protective customers also have access to a large number of training resources available through our website and our representatives. Let us know how we can help!

Preventing Slips & Falls

The first step to a safe facility is training. Provide new employees with proper training to set the stage for safe behavior. Reinforce that behavior with consistent retraining so all employees are on the same page.

Be aware of the environment; adverse weather – rain, snow and ice – are the leading contributors to slips and falls. Outside, poor lighting, curbs, uneven sidewalks and pot holes all present hazards.

Inside your facility, look for frayed or curling carpeting, scattered debris, and liquids and spills in office areas and lobbies – especially those with tiles floors. A fresh set of eyes can help you see every day hazards to which you may have become accustomed. Invite a Protective Representative to inspect your facility and offer suggestions.

Slip resistant shoes have special soles that give you more traction and grip on slippery surfaces. Protective customers can receive a discount on slip resistant shoes. Ask your representative for more information!

When entering or exiting a vehicle, always use three points of contact. The same is true when climbing onto a dock or loading area. Never jump off of a dock. Hold the handrail when using stairs to help maintain control.

Finally, avoid using equipment you are not trained or authorized to use, such as a forklift.

Even day slips may seem like small events, but they can quickly escalate into larger issues. Listen to your employees and pay attention to the little things that may be tripping them up.

Avoid lifting injuries

Material handling and lifting are among the most common actions resulting in injuries. These injuries are also some of the most painful and costly for you and your employee. Training employees on proper lifting techniques, or how to use lifting equipment, is a good start. Reminders on the job will help eliminate bad behaviors.

Most lifting injuries are cumulative – they happen over time and over many lifts. They happen when someone is carrying too many items at once, items that are awkward, or reaching too high, too low or out too far away from the body. Poor posture, physical fitness and bad habits can also contribute to these injuries.

Safe Lifting Techniques

• Before you lift, inspect your intended path of travel for obstacles or other possible hazards. Make sure that you have a clear path to carry the load, can see where you are going, and have a clear area to set it down.
• Size up the load before you lift it. Test the weight by moving a corner of the object and decide whether you can handle it alone or if you need help.
• Get a firm footing. Place your feet shoulders’ width apart with one foot slightly forward of the other.
• Bend at your knees, not your waist, to get your legs and feet ready to support the load. This is the single most important part of lifting.
• Straighten your legs to lift straight up in a slow, smooth motion.
• Keep the load close to your body. For greater strength and stability, lift and carry the object near your waist.
• Move your feet when changing directions. Turning with your upper body while carrying the load causes strains.
• Bend your knees again as you lower the load.
• Ask for help for lifting items that are long, bulky, don’t have a good place to grip or are too heavy for one person. If you have to strain to carry the load, you need assistance.
• Know when mechanical lifting equipment, such as a dolly or forklift, should be used. Follow company guidelines for your personal lifting weight limits.
• If possible, divide a heavy load into several smaller ones.
• If possible, avoid walking on slippery, uneven surfaces while carrying any load.
• Don’t rely on a back belt to protect your back. When used improperly, they can actually damage your back.
• Let your leg muscles do the work. They are stronger than any other muscle in your body.
• Do not arch your back. This makes the nerve roots open to pinching and cause strains in weaker muscles.

For Loads Requiring Two People to Lift

• Designate a leader in advance.
• Plan the lift and use all safe lifting procedures.
• Lift and lower in unison and with no sudden moves.
• Communicate with your partner during the entire move.