In our evolving work landscape, where safety regulations and workplace wellness are increasingly in focus, there are persistent challenges with occupational health and safety. From employee injuries to financial burdens, the toll of workplace accidents and illnesses remains significant. As HR professionals, it's important to stay informed and explore innovative solutions to address these hurdles head-on. Let’s examine seven surprising statistics that highlight the importance of prioritizing employee health and safety:

1.) There are about 2.8 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries in the U.S. private industry each year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in 2019, affecting 2.8 out of every 100 U.S. workers (Evotix, 2023).

2.) The U.S. had 266,530 sprains, strains, and tares in 2020.

Sprains, strains, and tears are the most common workplace injuries in the U.S. While seemingly less severe, these injuries affect productivity and can lead to substantial financial losses (Boskamp, 2023).

3.) 15% of workplace injuries occur in manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

Manufacturing jobs have the highest rate of workplace injuries, with 421,400 employees reporting non-fatal injuries or illnesses in 2019. Of the 421,400, 64,640 of them missed at least one day of work due to an injury or illness sustained on shift (Boskamp, 2023).

4.) Workplace injuries and illnesses cost the U.S. an estimated $250 billion each year.

The economic toll of workplace injuries and illnesses encompasses direct costs like medical expenses and workers' compensation, along with indirect costs such as lost productivity and training replacement workers (Boskamp, 2023). 

5.) On average, people injured on the job miss 8 days of work.

In the private industry in 2019, the median number of days people spent away from work due to an on-the-job accident or injury was eight. However, certain industries experience even longer absences, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce downtime (Boskamp, 2023).

6.) 103 million workdays were lost to injury in 2021.

The loss of 103 million workdays presents a substantial challenge for employers, impacting productivity, operational efficiency, and financial performance. This figure underscores the importance of proactive measures to promote employee health and well-being (Evotix, 2023).

7.) Worker injuries and illnesses are down—from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 in 2022.

Over the past half-century, concerted efforts by regulatory bodies, employers, and other stakeholders have led to a substantial decline in worker injuries and illnesses. However, the journey towards optimal workplace safety is far from over (OSHA, 2024).

Employers can help reverse these statistics by providing convenient access to healthcare services and proactive wellness initiatives. Onsite clinics serve as a powerful tool, prioritizing employee well-being and reducing the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses. Learn more about the benefits of onsite clinics in our blog, Onsite Clinics: A Win-Win Solution for Employers and Employees.

Now more than ever, leveraging data-driven insights and creative strategies is crucial for workplace health and safety. More than just a cost-effective measure, onsite clinics represent a shift towards a culture of safety and holistic employee care. Investing in employee health not only protects lives but also fosters a happier, healthier workforce.

References

Boskamp, E. (2023, April 3). 30 Shocking Workplace Injury Statistics. Zippia. 
https://www.zippia.com/advice/workplace-injury-statistics/#:~:text=Data%20released%20by%20the%20United,every%20100%20workers%20in%201972

Evotix. (2023, June 22). 8 Chilling Workplace Safety Stats. LinkedIn. 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-chilling-workplace-safety-stats-evotix/

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Commonly Used Statistics. Accessed on March 27, 2024. https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats