Boost Productivity by Reducing On-The-Job Injuries
by Devon Osborne
Read it to me! Click the video below.
When you run a service-based business, your team is your most valuable asset. And with great assets come great responsibility. It doesn't matter if you’re a one-person painting company or managing a team of plumbers—keeping your team safe on the job isn't just a "nice-to-have" or "corporate fluff." It's the backbone of your business. One injury can lead to costly downtime, lost revenue, and even potential lawsuits. Not to mention the human factor—a worker down means someone’s life, health, and livelihood are on the line. And it's on you to mitigate that risk.
The Trouble with On-The-Job Injuries
So, what's the problem? Well, for starters:
- The Cost of Injuries: Workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $170 billion annually, according to OSHA. This includes medical expenses, lost productivity, and legal fees.
- Insurance Premiums: If you’ve ever dealt with a single claim, you know how your insurance premiums skyrocket. It's like burning money, only worse because that fire doesn’t stop.
- Reputation Damage: Word spreads fast—especially when things go wrong. In a digital world where reviews and social proof drive new business, an unsafe work environment is a PR disaster waiting to happen.
Turning a Blind Eye Can Cost You
It might be tempting to shrug it off. You might think, "My team knows what they're doing," or, "It won't happen to us." Here's a reality check: accidents happen to even the best crews. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2020 alone. From slipping off a roof to a sprained wrist while lugging equipment, it doesn’t take much for a quick job to become an urgent care visit. And when that happens, it's your business and bottom line that pay the price.
Take the case of Jack, who runs a successful landscaping business. Business was booming—until one of his team members cut his hand on a trimmer. Turns out the equipment hadn't been maintained properly, and it didn’t have the guard that would’ve prevented the injury. Jack ended up covering hospital bills, paying the employee for time off, and on top of that, facing higher insurance premiums. Jack was stuck trying to juggle costs while scrambling to keep his clients happy.
How to Reduce the Risk and Keep Your Team in One Piece
The risks of on-the-job injuries are real, but the good news is there's a lot you can do to mitigate them. Here's how:
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Safety Training & Regular Refresher Courses: Don’t just do a one-off safety training to check a box. Consistent, clear training is crucial. You'd be surprised how easy it is to forget something as simple as lifting with your knees instead of your back. Safety isn't a "one and done" topic—it's ongoing.
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PPE is Non-Negotiable: Make sure your team has the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and that they know how to use it. Helmets, gloves, boots, goggles—these aren’t fashion statements; they’re lifesavers. And yes, they may grumble about wearing them. But guess what? No one complains about an uncomfortable helmet when it prevents a concussion. A study from the CDC noted that wearing proper PPE reduced injury rates by up to 40%.
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Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Just like you wouldn’t leave your equipment unchecked, you shouldn’t leave safety to chance. Schedule regular audits to ensure everything from scaffolding to power tools is in working condition. Create a checklist and stick to it. If you find hazards, fix them immediately.
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Clear Communication Channels: If there’s a hazard or a potential issue, your team needs to know about it immediately. Encourage a culture of open communication, where workers feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns. A five-minute conversation could save someone from a five-week recovery.
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Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency plan in place and make sure everyone on your team knows what to do in case of an injury. How fast can you get someone to the ER? Who will call for help? These are questions you should know the answers to before an accident happens.
Take Charge of Safety Today—Your Business Depends On It
The benefits of a safe work environment are clear:
- Better Morale & Productivity: Your crew feels protected, and in return, they’ll likely be more focused and motivated.
- Lower Costs: Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, reduced downtime, and no surprise medical bills that leave you scrambling.
- Strong Reputation: Safety isn’t just about the present—it's about future-proofing your business. A well-protected team speaks volumes about how you run your operation.
The ball is in your court. Start with a quick safety meeting, update your emergency plan, or simply invest in some new PPE. No action is too small. Remember, protecting your crew is protecting your business, your brand, and ultimately, your bottom line.
