Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

by Paula Santonocito

Every year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases data on nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work. Findings from 2008 were released yesterday.

The good news is that both the rate and the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in private industry decreased overall. However, in two categories there were increases in comparison to 2007 worth considering.

The first has to do with older workers. Then number of injuries and illnesses involving workers 55 to 64 years old increased 3 percent. Meanwhile, the number of injuries and illnesses for workers 65 and older increased 13 percent.

The second category involves Hispanic or Latino workers in transportation and material moving occupations. Injuries and illnesses for this group of employees increased by 10 percent in 2008 in comparison to 2007.

The two categories suggest communication may be a contributing factor. With this in mind, employers should consider whether they are effectively conveying safety information to all members of the workforce.

What are the vehicles for delivering this information? Is the information reaching the entire workforce?

Technology greatly facilitates information delivery, but it doesn't guarantee recipient participation. Do you request confirmation that employees have read and understood the material?

And speaking of understanding, if you have Hispanic or Latino workers, are you providing safety (and other employee communication) in Spanish?

Remember, these are occupational injuries and illnesses. You cannot entirely prevent accidents, but by using the right channels of communication, with attention to the employee population, you can decrease the likelihood that occupational injuries and illnesses will occur.