First Aid Reduces Losses

When you think of a loss control program, generally safety procedures and loss prevention come to mind. But, attention to loss reduction is also a critical component of any effective loss control program.

Most loss reduction techniques are associated with claims handling, such as the use of nurse case managers to oversee the injured workers’ medical treatment and recovery process. Their goal is to ensure that the medical treatment of the injured worker results in a healed injury and a full return to work. Return-to-work programs reduce disability costs and indirect loss costs. They help transition the injured worker back to work and generally this practice reduces the overall cost of the claim. But, although these practices may make a loss less severe they do not make the injury sustained by your employee less severe. Reducing the loss severity and injury severity should be a component of your safety program.

Providing first aid when an accident occurs may seem obvious. It is often a key contributor to reducing the severity of an injury. But frequently first aid is delayed, causing an injury to quickly worsen.  An effective safety program should include clear procedures for obtaining or providing medical treatment for injured workers. Employers in the manufacturing sector characteristically have supervised workforces. Supervisors and co-workers should be qualified to administer first aid. Additionally, procedures for securing medical treatment when an employee is injured should be included in the safety procedures for all employers. These procedures should be clearly posted as a reference in all work environments. 

First aid kits are required in all operations and should be completely stocked, have current supplies and be clearly marked. Although first aid is not a substitute for medical treatment, it is a critically necessary measure until medical treatment can be provided

Creating A Safety Culture

Manufacturers these days face a number of hurdles. But, whether your company bakes for local restaurants, manufactures the hoods for irrigation water pumps or produces network cabling, you all have at least one common challenge. How do I create a safety culture among my employees? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is often "you", if you are the owner, manager or supervisor.

Intellectually you might recognize that safety and productivity go hand-in-hand, but do you really believe that? Do your employees think that you believe that? If you remember nothing else about safety, remember this:

Safety managers churn out a great deal of material about safety, safety practices and safety strategies. There is always a discussion of safety being part of your business plan. But, the key reason to operate safely is that accidents cost money. Whether it's injured employees, damaged vehicles or broken machinery, they all cost money to repair, replace or rehabilitate.

Work related injuries are particularly costly. The direct costs (workers' compensation benefits) are often insured, but the indirect costs are not and can be considerable.

So, what are you as an owner, manager or supervisor doing to create a safety culture?