Some small or medium-sized businesses have been blessed with never experiencing an on-the-job injury or illness during the length of their operation. But even if your employees have not been involved in an accident, or a work-related illness, it is vital to remember that it is always a possibility. Consider these workers’ compensation-related figures compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010.

Non-Fatal

•    Almost 3.1 million workers were involved in an on-the-job injury or illness in the private sector in 2010.

•    More than half of the 3.1 million cases were of a more serious nature, involving days away from work, job transfer, or restriction.

•    The total injury and illness incidence rate was highest among those businesses employing between 50 and 249 workers, and lowest among small enterprises with less than 11 workers.

Fatal

•    4,690 people were killed on the job in 2010.

•    That figure included 1,044 automobile accidents.

•    Falls were the cause of death for 646 employees.

•    518 workers were murdered at the workplace.

The BLS also found that the number of fatal on-the-job accidents in Colorado alone increased in 2010. With these statistics in mind, the importance of taking a proactive approach to preventing injuries at your business premises should be clear.

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