Workers’ compensation coverage is a Pennsylvania business insurance product that must be carried by all Pennsylvania employers. Coverage compensates workers for costs associated with work-related injuries and illnesses, but responsible employers take steps to minimize the risk of their workers coming to harm in the workplace.
How can you minimize the risk of work-related illness and injury, and create a safer working environment for your employees?
- Identify workplace hazards. Look at the working environment, machinery and processes, and encourage your workers to report and discuss hazards that they encounter.
- Take action to control hazards by maintaining a safe environment and modifying unsafe work processes.
- Make sure that the equipment your workers use is safe, and provide protective clothing and other safety gear.
- Have everyone in your workforce trained in safe working practices, and monitor their compliance with safety rules and policies.
- Involve workers in developing and maintaining your business safety program.
It’s impossible to eliminate all hazards from the workplace, but focusing on safety may significantly reduce the incidence of work-related accidents and sickness. By creating a safer workplace culture, a business owner protects workers from harm and is also likely to benefit financially: a safer workplace may mean higher productivity and profitability, and fewer workers compensation claims may mean lower workers compensation premiums and reduced Pennsylvania business insurance costs.
