Which factors tend to increase the chances of workers getting injured on the job? To find the answer, we turned to three industry experts at Builders Mutual.

According to Risk Management expert Sean Purcell, Senior Claims Adjuster Wendy Maunu, and Director of Claims Tina Hill, injuries most often result from a lack of planning, a lack of training, or a lack of leadership on the job-site.

To address these factors, our experts created a checklist to ensure you are thinking about injury prevention from every angle.

PLAN:

✓Assess your safety culture.

Do you have a safety culture to be proud of? A strong safety culture is based on proactive accountability. Ensure that everyone on your job-site is committed to uncovering potential dangers, working toward solutions, and taking responsibility for a safe environment before accidents occur. Read our full article on proactive accountability here.

✓ Know your action plan for responding to an injury.

If a worker is injured on your job-site, be prepared to spring into the best action. Know which emergency room and urgent care locations are nearby, and plan ahead to anticipate what you’ll need from the staff to properly make a workers’ compensation claim.

TRAIN:

✓ Establish a drug-free workplace.

A drug-free job-site is critical for a safe work environment. Employees under the influence of illegal drugs or improperly taken prescription medications are hazards to themselves and their coworkers. Read our full article on creating a drug-free workplace here.

✓ Work with a risk manager.

Should your team be trained in CPR and first aid? Or go through awareness training to spot safety hazards? Builders Mutual risk managers can work with you to create a unique set of training programs based on your trade and company size. Many resources are already available online through Builders Mutual.

PROTECT:

✓ Hold daily “toolbox talks.”

Begin each day of work with a safety strategy. Gather to discuss the work being done at the current stage of a project and offer a refresher on those specific hazards. Decide on the safety equipment that is needed and reiterate that it is required. This will hold everyone to the same standard and level of responsibility for each other’s safety.

✓ Complete a job-site inspection every day.

Before starting work, a supervisor should walk through the site and conduct an inspection. If any hazards are found, resolve the safety issues before anyone risks injury. Also be sure the supervisor talks with the whole team to explain the hazard and why it is a problem. This way, they can be on the lookout for that hazard in the future.

CLARIFY:

✓ Ask if there are any questions.

Language and cultural barriers can create a breakdown in communication. You may find that your team members are not asking for help or clarification. Don’t assume that silence equals understanding. For more ways to improve communication, read our full article here.

✓Find ways to simplify the job.

Our workforce is getting older. Look for ways you can clarify the day’s task and make life easier for your team. For example, if you have only one person to carry loads, you may need to break down boxes into smaller loads. Be sure you ask the worker to do this to protect his or her back — even if this means the task will take longer.

Can you check “yes” for everything on the list? Get started today to prevent injuries on your job-site.