As an employer, it makes sense that you want to pay as little in the way of workers’ compensation claims as possible. If it seems like you have employees filing claims left and right, it is time to take a hard, long look at the way your business is run. While accidents are not unusual, multiple accidents and injuries are. Injury should never be common in the workplace. When you start to believe that your employees are falling ill or getting injured at a rate that is higher than typical, you need to make a plan.
While you should certainly re-educate your employees when it comes to company safety policies or even implement new policies, there are things you can do that go above and beyond the standard continuing education or refresher courses. Instituting a whole-health program for your employees is something that you should strongly consider. Here’s what you can do:
- Conduct a Health Survey
Hand out a health survey at your next staff meeting. Let your employees know that you want to implement a new health program and want it to be tailored as specific as possible to their needs. You may ask questions regarding the amount of physical activity your employees participate in currently, the type of physical activity they would prefer, and even the type of health services they would like to see offered by the company. Be sure to speak with your HR department to be sure that you aren’t getting too personal and infringing upon anyone’s rights.
- Use Gathered Information
Once you receive the completed surveys, use the information you are given. Maybe the majority of your employees said they would participate with company-sponsored sports. Perhaps more employees would prefer a small workout room on site. Look at the surveys and see what you can do to meet your employees’ needs.
- Create Fitness Clubs
If your company is large enough, clubs are a great way to give your employees something to do and a healthy way to compete with one another. Walking clubs, golf outings, kickball teams — these are all great ways to help your employees go from sedentary to active.
- Take Advantage of Educational Materials
Hand out educational materials at staff meetings. Offer classes for employees that will help them quit smoking, make healthier eating choices or even discover new ways to prevent the flu. Coordinate classes with meeting days to lessen the impact on your productivity.
Of course we are all adults and we are all responsible for our own health. Studies have shown, however, that when we have easier access to physical activity, we are more likely to participate in it. Take a good look at what your employees need and want and see what you can come up with. By including a health program into your policies and procedures, you may just end up paying out less in the way of workers’ comp.
If you have been injured at work and need an attorney, we are here for you. Call our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers today. We will review your case for free and advise you how to best proceed. Call now.
