Spring Safety Zone: 2020 Missouri Workers' Compensation Injury Statistics

2020 Missouri Workers' Compensation Injury Statistics Fatal injuries 119 fatalities were reported to the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) for 2020. (There were 108 in 2019.): 30 of the 119 fatal injuries were automobile related, and 23 were related to COVID-19. 20 were in the Construction industry, 17 in Manufacturing, 14 in Health Care and Social Assistance, and 14 in Public Administration. 80% of fatal injuries occurred in men, and the majority of fatalities occurred in the 50-59 age group. The month with the most fatalities was September (15) followed by November (14). The day of the week with the most fatalities was Friday (23). Non-fatal injuries Just over 90,000 workplace injuries were reported to DWC for last year: The Health Care and Social Assistance industry once again had the most total injury incidents, followed by Manufacturing. The top cause of workers' compensation injuries reported in Missouri last year was "Pandemic" followed by "Lifting" in second. The top nature of workers' compensation injuries in Missouri last year was strains or tears. Injuries in Accommodation and Food Services DECREASED 30% and Educational Services DECREASED over 50%, while injuries INCREASED in Finance and Insurance and Management of Companies and Enterprises. The most lost time injuries in 2020 occurred in the Public Administration industry. While fatalities increased in 2020 (particularly in Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Transportation and Warehousing), total injuries decreased by over 10% from 2019. In 2020, a new cause code (Pandemic) was added along with a new nature code (COVID-19) in order to track COVID related injuries. Additional workers' compensation injury statistics can be found on the Safe@Work website: https://labor.mo.gov/safe-at-work COVID-19 Prevention Programs According to OSHA, implementing a COVID-19 Prevention Program is the most effective way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at work. Under the OSH Act, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The most effective COVID-19 prevention programs engage workers and their representatives in the program's development and implementation at every step, and include the following elements: Assignment of a workplace coordinator. Identification of where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work Identification of a combination of measures that will limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, such as physical distancing, barriers, face coverings, improving ventilation, providing supplies for good hygiene practices, PPE, and routine cleaning and disinfection. Consideration of protections for workers at higher risk for severe illness through supportive policies and practices. Establishment of a system for communicating effectively with workers and in a language they understand. Educate and train workers on your COVID-19 policies and procedures using accessible formats and in a language they understand. Instruct workers who are infected or potentially infected to stay home and isolate or quarantine. Minimize the negative impact of quarantine and isolation on workers. Isolating workers who show symptoms at work. Performing enhanced cleaning and disinfection after people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 have been in the facility. Providing guidance on screening and testing. Recording and reporting COVID-19 infections and deaths. Implementing protections from retaliation and setting up an anonymous process for workers to voice concerns about COVID-19-related hazards. Making a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccination series available at no cost to all eligible employees. Ensure workers who are vaccinated continue to follow protective measures, such as wearing a face covering and remaining physically distant. Remember applicable OSHA standards that apply, including the PPE standard, respiratory protection, BBP, sanitation, employee medical/exposure records, as well as the General Duty Clause. For more information on COVID-19 Prevention Programs visit https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework   Flood Safety Tips They say "April Showers Bring May Flowers" but the extra rain can introduce more hazards into both our work and personal life. According to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, flooding is the deadliest severe weather hazard in our state. Most flood fatalities occur during flash flooding and occur to people in motor vehicles. Employers can prepare for floods by having an evacuation plan in place and helping staff understand the difference between flood watches and warnings. Whether you drive as part of your job or even if you are just commuting, never be tempted to drive into floodwater because it appears shallow. Following a flood, stay away from downed power lines and inspect workplaces for mold and possible building damage. Trained professionals may be needed to assist with clean up. For more information on Missouri flood hazards visit https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan_and_prepare/flooding.php Sign-Up for Missouri Workers' Safety Program services The Missouri Workers' Safety Program helps employers to improve workplace safety and reduce their workers' compensation insurance costs. We work to ensure that Missouri businesses have access to individualized safety and health services. There are three ways for an employer to receive service: Your workers' compensation insurance carrier must provide you with individualized safety assistance at your request. Ask your carrier about these services today. If you feel that your carrier is not providing you with adequate service, contact the Missouri Workers' Safety Program. The Missouri Workers' Safety Program maintains a list of certified safety consultants and engineers that can offer you independent services. The Missouri Workers' Safety Program offers free safety and health services to Missouri businesses. Contact us today for additional information. Complete a Request for Services (WSP-6)PDF Document.   2021 Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation Educational Seminar – May 5 - NOW A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE! For details please visit https://labor.mo.gov/DWC-Conference 8th Annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction – May 3-7, 2021 - The National Stand-Down is a prevention campaign to promote awareness and training on one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction. For materials, resources, and events visit https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down Make sure to share on social media! #StandDown4Safety Safety and Health Program Management Training – May 27 - This is a free class offered by the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program. Attendees will learn how to develop a fully functioning safety and health management program. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today! https://labor.mo.gov/sites/labor/files/pubs_forms/LS-75-AI.pdf  May is Youth Safety Month - Check out the Youth Employment webpage for information on Missouri's Child Labor Law and for tips to keep Missouri youth safe on the job: https://labor.mo.gov/youth-employment April 28 is Workers' Memorial Day - Each year on April 28th, Workers' Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember, salute, thank, and honor Americans who have been injured or lost their lives while on the job and to rededicate our efforts to improve safety and health in every workplace.  Because of the ongoing pandemic, this year will be a virtual event in Missouri.  For details on this year's as well as past events, visit https://labor.mo.gov/rememberworkers/archives Contributing Author: Amanda Kremer – Missouri Workers' Safety Program   Questions? Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions  |  Help This email was sent to ignoble.experiment@arconati.us using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Missouri Department of Labor · P.O. Box 59 · Jefferson City, MO 65104-0059 · 1-800-320-2519