August 28, 2024  

First Year Workers Account for 40% of Workers Compensation Claims

Workers who have been employed for less than a year are responsible for almost 40 percent of all workers’ compensation claims – according to the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB). This is staggering if you ask me. 40%?!!

There are many reasons that can lead to this statistic. Employee inexperience, unfamiliarity with workplace hazards and insufficient training to name a few.

The good news is, there was ways to help you ensure the safety of your new employees, preparing them properly for the workplace, preventing incidents and lowering claims.

Here are 7 proactive steps you can take to ensure the safety of your new employees. Actually, for ALL employees, but the emphasis here is the new employees who statistically show to be at higher risk:

1 – Comprehensive Onboarding and Training

Implement thorough onboarding programs that include detailed safety training. Make sure new employees are well-versed in workplace hazards, proper equipment use, and emergency procedures.

2 – Mentorship Programs

Create a supportive environment by pairing new employees with experienced mentors. These mentors can guide them through the job’s safety aspects and offer ongoing support, making them feel less isolated and more confident in their roles.

3 – Safety Culture Promotion

Foster a strong safety culture where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards and unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation

4 – Regular Safety Audits

Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to find and address potential hazards that affect new workers.

5 – Ergonomic Assessments

Make sure workstations and tasks are ergonomically designed to reduce strain and prevent injuries, particularly in industries like construction and restaurants where physical strain is common.

6 – Clear Communication

Keep open lines of communication about safety expectations and procedures. Encourage employees to ask questions and seek clarification on safety matters.

7- Adjust Workloads

Gradually increase the complexity and intensity of tasks assigned to new employees to allow them to build experience and confidence without overwhelming them

Proactively implementing these strategies significantly contributes to a safer work environment, reducing injuries among first-year employees and showing your commitment to their well-being.

But I want to emphasize, make sure you’re focusing on the safety and wellbeing of ALL employees. This creates a safe, positive work environment that can save a ton on operational costs by keeping your Experience Modification Rating DOWN.

I’m here to help!
if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at jkinmartin@olsonduncan.com

Thanks for reading

-JK

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About Jimmy Kinmartin - Business Insurance & Risk Management

Jimmy is a California licensed Property & Casualty AND Accident & Health insurance agent working at the Olson Duncan Insurance brokerage based in Torrance and Irvine, CA. He grew up in Fullerton, CA and graduated from Servite High School in Anaheim and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Tustin, CA. Have questions? Just ask! Or, follow Jim on Twitter at @JimKinmartin

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