Inadequate job training is a major cause of workplace injuries and fatalities in the U.S. and Georgia. This lack of training also negatively impacts employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to high turnover rates, which make it difficult for employers to attract and retain top talent.
Given the severe consequences of inadequate training on employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being, businesses must continually reassess their training programs to ensure all safety measures are in place to prevent workplace injuries.
Statistics on Preventable Work Injuries and Fatalities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles annual data on work injuries and deaths, categorized by industry.
In 2021, the BLS reported 1,062,700 nonfatal injuries and illnesses causing at least one day of missed work, a 9.7% decrease from the previous year. The injury rate was 1.2 cases per 100 full-time workers. Key industry statistics for 2021 include:
– Retail trade: 404,700 injury cases (decrease from 2020)
– Transportation and warehousing: 253,100 injury cases (increase from 2020)
– Healthcare and social assistance: 623,000 injury cases (decrease from 2020)
– Manufacturing: 380,000 injury cases (increase from 2020)
– Professional, scientific, and technical services: 75,000 injury cases (increase from 2020)
Preventable Fatal Work Injuries
The BLS’s National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported 5,190 fatal work injuries in 2021, an 8.9% increase from 2020, with a rate of 3.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 4,472 of these deaths were preventable. Although the BLS does not specify which deaths are preventable, the NSC makes these determinations based on BLS data. The sectors with the most work-related deaths were:
– Construction
– Transportation and warehousing
– Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
Georgia Work Injury Statistics
In 2021, Georgia reported 187 work-related deaths, with 76 (41%) due to transportation-related incidents. Other top causes of workplace fatalities in Georgia included:
– Violence-related injuries by individuals or animals: 37 deaths
– Exposure to toxic substances/environments: 31 deaths
These deaths increased significantly from 2020 and were preventable with proper training and safety measures.
The Cost of Work-Related Injuries
Work injuries are costly to employees, companies, and communities. According to the NSC, work injuries in 2020 cost the nation $163.9 billion, including:
– Wage/productivity losses: $44.8 billion
– Administrative costs: $61 billion
– Medical costs: $34.9 billion
– Uninsured costs to employers: $12.8 billion
– Fire losses: $6.2 billion
– Damaged/destroyed motor vehicles: $4.3 billion
Employee Costs
Workers’ compensation typically covers only two-thirds of average weekly wages, causing financial strain for injured employees. This financial stress can lead to loss of homes and other property. Additionally, injured employees may suffer psychological and emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
Employer Costs
Employers face decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and reduced staff availability, leading to decreased revenue. Dissatisfied customers may take their business elsewhere, further impacting revenue.
Community Costs
When businesses suffer, the local economy also suffers. Profitable companies contribute to local economies, and their struggles can lead to broader economic decline.
How Inadequate Training Leads to Work Injuries
Inadequate training makes employees a hazard to themselves and their coworkers. Common issues include:
– Failure to inform employees about necessary safety protocols and procedures
– Insufficient supervision of new employees
– Assigning tasks to unqualified employees
– Lack of detailed information on the risks of certain duties and machinery
– Infrequent work skills and safety awareness reviews by supervisors