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Workplace accidents can result in financial losses, injuries, and legal problems. Therefore, workplace safety is a critical aspect of a business. Providing safety training can reduce the risk of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims. In this blog, our Atlanta & Savannah workplace accident attorneys discuss the role of safety training in preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace.
What Is the Purpose of Safety Training in the Workplace?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), training and education help employees perform their work more safely. Providing safety training can help workers:
- Gain the skills and knowledge to perform their work safely
- Avoid creating hazards that could result in accidents and injuries
- Gain understanding and awareness of workplace hazards, including how to identify, control, and report hazards
- Receive specialized training when a job involves unique hazards
In addition to reducing accidents, safety training ensures companies meet legal compliance for mandated safety training by OSHA, state agencies, and insurance requirements. Safety training also improves employee confidence by teaching them how to respond in an emergency.
What Are the Benefits of Implementing a Safety Training Program for Your Business?
There are numerous benefits of providing safety training for your employees. Effective safety training reduces the number of workplace injuries. By reducing injuries, you increase productivity because your workforce is healthy and at work.
Safety training can save your company money. Fewer workplace accidents can lower the insurance premiums for workers’ compensation insurance. You may see lower absentee rates and legal costs. Promoting a safe work environment creates a positive work environment that encourages worker retention.
What Is the Link Between Safety Training Programs and Workers’ Compensation in Atlanta & Savannah, GA?
Most Georgia employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for employees. Workers’ compensation provides no-fault insurance coverage for workers injured on the job. An injured worker can receive workers’ comp benefits, including:
- Reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Loss of income benefits, which equal about 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly wages before the accident
- Vocational rehabilitation to train an employee for a new job if their injury prevents them from returning to their old job
- Permanent disability benefits for employees who sustain a life-long disability
Thousands of workers are injured on the job each year. Developing a safety training program can reduce the number of workers’ comp claims by reducing the number of workplace accidents. Reducing claims can reduce workers’ comp insurance premiums.
State workers’ compensation laws and federal safety regulations may require specific industries to provide safety training. Ensuring your program meets the requirements avoids violations and fines for non-compliance.
Four key elements of safety training include:
- Identifying potential hazards and determining how to deal with the hazards effectively
- Understand the safety standards and regulations for your industry
- Develop and provide effective safety training for all employees
- Document training provided to employees and track the benefits of training
If you choose to use a third party to provide safety training, research the company to ensure it has the qualifications to meet compliance requirements. You should also perform due diligence by checking the company’s reviews and references.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Atlanta & Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workplace accidents can result in life-altering injuries. If you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You may also have a third party claim that could provide additional compensation. Call Parsons Law Group to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta & Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys.