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Most businesses see periodic workplace accidents as an unavoidable aspect of doing business. On the contrary, most workplace accidents are caused by management failing to identify and remove workplace hazards in a timely manner. By the time the accident occurs, it is already too late.
Workplace accidents cost everyone when you factor in medical bills, lost productivity, recovery time and possible inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA inspections alone can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
What Is a Safety Intervention Grant?
In light of that fact, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is offering businesses Safety Intervention Grants as an incentive to prevent accidents. The program partners with businesses to establish the best prevention methods, and qualifying companies can receive grants to fund their safety efforts.
In May, the CEO of the BWC presented a check for $39,600 to Hilty Home, a senior housing facility in Pandora. The not-for-profit facility holds 61 seniors and has been in Putnam County for more than 30 years.
Most of the residents need help getting in and out of bed, sitting, standing and generally moving around the facility. Lifting and positioning the patients requires workers to move awkwardly, risking back, neck and shoulder injuries.
Hilty Home plans to use their Safety Intervention Grant to purchase eight overhead lift systems that are safer for employees and residents. According to their estimates, the equipment is less expensive than even one serious back injury.
Apparently, the BWC is thinking along those same lines. They recently tripled their investment in the Safety Intervention Grant program from $5 million to $15 million, encouraging all private and public employers to apply.
Acquiring and maintaining safety equipment may be expensive, but in the end, prevention pays off. Without injuries, workers can continue to do their jobs, which improves everyone’s bottom line.
Despite the obvious benefits of being proactive when it comes to safety, some employers would still rather cut corners than invest in their employees’ safety. Workers are often the catalyst for change in the workplace, so make sure you know your rights.
If you were injured due to dangers in the workplace, Larrimer & Larrimer can make sure your employer treats you right. Call us today to discuss your workers’ comp claim.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys
Source: http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/news/18889-ohio-senior-home-targeting-workplace-safety.html