Workplace safety is an issue that California employers are constantly trying to address. It’s easy to think of workplace safety as a distant, abstract concept, but understanding the realities behind it can be just as important as taking steps for prevention. Fortunately, some data can give insight into the scope of the problem and help employers make informed decisions on how to tackle it.
Workplace safety statistics
According to the National Safety Council, almost 2.7 million workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States in 2020. This number is down from 2.8 million in 2019, but it is still far too high.
The most common type of workers’ comp injury were the following:
- Sprains, strains and tears account for over 1 million cases
- Cuts, lacerations and punctures (700,000+ cases)
- Bruises and contusions (600,000+ cases)
- Fractures (200,000+ cases)
The most dangerous industries
Workplace safety is a huge concern for employers and employees alike. Unfortunately, thousands of workplace accidents result in injuries or fatalities every year. While some industries are more dangerous than others, any workplace can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken.
The industries with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses were the following:
- Healthcare and social assistance (5.4 per 100 full-time workers)
- Manufacturing (4 per 100 full-time workers)
- Retail trade (3.7 per 100 full-time workers)
These statistics show that there is still much work to be done in terms of workplace safety. Employees should be aware of the risks in their industry and take precautions to protect themselves. Employers should also do their part to create a safe working environment.
Improving working conditions
Employers in these industries must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their employees. Some standard safety measures include providing proper training on using equipment safely, implementing safety protocols such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and regularly inspecting work safety.
