Providing access to injury and illness data helps identify unsafe conditions and hazards that may cause occupational injuries and illness.
Knowing about those hazards is the first step to control them and reduce occupational injuries and illnesses.
In a recent news release, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published their injury and illness data for 2022.
And, unfortunately, the data shows that workplace injuries and illnesses continue to be a significant problem, despite OSHA’S efforts to reduce them.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of proper workplace injury and illness data, and how it can help your business improve safety & reduce the number of workplace accidents.
Let’s find out what the latest report has to say.
Related Article: 200,000 Employers Fail to File Records with OSHA
Key Findings from OSHA’s 2022 Injury and Illness Data
Annual electronic submissions are required from establishments with 250 or more employees currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, as well as establishments with 20-249 employees classified in specific industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses.
The Injury Tracking Application data is part of OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements for certain employers required to submit OSHA Form 300A information from January 2 to March 2, 2023.
The injuries collected include general injuries, poisonings, respiratory conditions, skin disorders, hearing loss, and other illnesses. For 2022, general injuries saw the highest number of occurrences.
The data also shows the number of workplace related deaths occurring within a given submission period. Industries listed include welding, education, trucking, farming, retail, waste disposal, and more.
Download the full 2022 report here.
Related Article: OSHA Proposes Change in Recordkeeping Standard
Importance of Proper Workplace Injury and Illness Data
Accurate workplace illness and injury data remains crucial for several reasons.
First, it helps organizations to identify and address the root causes of accidents and illnesses. By analyzing data, companies can pinpoint the areas where employees are at the greatest risk of injury, and implement measures to mitigate those risks.
This can include providing additional safety training, implementing safety protocols, and investing in safety equipment and tools.
Second, proper injury and illness data is crucial for helping you comply with OSHA regulations.OSHA requires employers to maintain records of all work-related injuries and illnesses, and failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. By keeping accurate records and submitting them to OSHA, you ensure you meet your regulatory obligations.
Finally, injury and illness data can be used to identify trends and patterns over time.By analyzing data from previous years, you can track your progress and identify areas where improvements occurred.
This helps you demonstrate your company’s commitment to safety to your employees, stakeholders, and regulators. It also helps verify you’re taking the steps needed to reduce workplace accidents and illnesses.
Read about OSHA’s Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Your organization can take several steps to reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses.
First, you can invest in safety training and education for employees. This can include providing training on how to use safety equipment, how to identify and report hazards, and how to lift and carry heavy objects safely.
Second, you can implement safety protocols and procedures to further minimize risks.This can include conducting regular safety audits, providing protective equipment such as gloves and helmets, and ensuring that employees have access to safety equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
Finally, your company can create a safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees. This can involve encouraging employees to report hazards and incidents, rewarding safe behavior, and holding regular safety meetings and drills.
Read about OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program Checklist
Bringing It Together
The publication of OSHA’s 2022 injury and illness data highlights the ongoing need for organizations to prioritize workplace safety.
Accurate injury and illness data can help organizations identify risks, comply with regulations, and track progress over time.
By investing in safety training and education, implementing safety protocols and procedures, and creating a safety culture, you can help reduce the number of workplace accidents and illnesses, and protect the health and well-being of your employees.
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About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests, as well as audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
