Dec. 20, 2012
Work-related accidents are a leading cause of injuries in Wisconsin today. To help battle the problem, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it has formed several partnerships with businesses spanning several industries to improve worker safety. OSHA officials hope the programs will reduce the number of work-related accidents, and in turn, reduce costs associated with Wisconsin workers’ compensation claims.
According to an OSHA press release, the organization will be working to reduce the number of incidences of musculoskeletal injuries with some of the largest foundries in northeast Wisconsin, considering the industry has one of the highest rates for this type of injury. This can be attributed to tasks related to the job, like moving heavy equipment, handling hazardous materials, and the usage of equipment like grinders and sanders.
The partnership aims to reduce accidents by educating employers and their employees about work-related dangers, conducting hazard assessments, and reworking policies and procedures to make the work environment safer.
OSHA announced it would be participating in a similar partnership with the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association in an effort to reduce the number of grain elevator accidents the state sees each year.
An Oshkosh personal injury lawyer with Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham is hopeful these new partnerships will successfully protect our state’s workers from preventable workplace injuries.