The annual list, announced at this year’s National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, is determined from worksite inspections throughout the year and aims to alert and inform employers and safety professionals about frequent citations and violations to help prevent future reoccurrences.

The top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Violations for 2023, :

• Fall Protection – General Requirements
• Hazard Communication
• Ladders
• Scaffolding
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Lockout/Tagout
• Respiratory Protection
• Fall Protection – Training Requirements
• Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection
• Machine Guarding

OSHA will release more information on each hazard in the December issue of magazine.

Prevent Safety Violations Today

Advancements in workplace protections, paired with a robust safety program, can help identify and prevent violations and reinforce worker safety. Learn more about how connected wearables, virtual reality, and observational training programs can enhance operations and assist in controlling losses.

While they play a significant role in driving progress, these activities can also carry inherent risks that lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that from 2003 to 2017 there were a total of 373 trenching fatalities, 80% of which occurred within the construction industry. Engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices can reduce hazards to workers and prevent trench cave-ins. Read on to explore crucial strategies for implementing safety measures that promote a secure jobsite and mitigate potential liabilities.

The Proactive Approach

• : Before beginning any trenching or excavation work, conduct a thorough analysis of the soil to determine its stability and potential for collapse. It’s also important to test for hazardous atmospheres, such as low oxygen or toxic gases before workers enter the trench. Ensure proper ventilation and respiratory protection when needed.
• Put in place robust protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, or trench boxes to prevent cave-ins. Perform daily inspections of the trench or excavation area and address any changes in soil conditions, water accumulation, or other potential hazards.
• Provide safe entry and exit points to the trench or excavation site, such as ladders, ramps, or stairways, that are located within 25 feet of workers. Guard against falling soil, equipment, and materials by placing them at a safe distance from the edge of the trench. Use barricades and warning signs to keep unauthorized personnel away from the site.
• Ensure workers receive extensive training encompassing hazard recognition, equipment operation, emergency response, and adherence to safety protocols. Develop an emergency action plan that includes procedures for rescue and medical attention in case of an incident. Ensure workers know how to respond to emergencies.
• Follow Regulatory Standards: Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for trenching and excavation to ensure legal adherence and create a safe work environment.

Looking Ahead

Trenching and excavating safety is a critical aspect of the jobsite. By prioritizing the well-being of workers and adhering to OSHA regulations and guidelines, you can create a safer working environment while also minimizing potential liabilities. Ultimately, safety is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that contributes to the overall success of your bottom line.

91������ policyholders rely on our risk management team for an array of customized and innovative solutions to help ensure your company’s safe and successful workplace. Learn more about this area of our service.

While roles in are known to have a high chance of burnout, the problems can happen to employees across industries. Strikingly, burnout can cost companies between $125 billion to $190 billion every year in healthcare costs, .

Fortunately, there are resources that can help break the cycle of burnout before it has an adverse effect on an individual’s health and wellbeing. Businesses can share tips with their team that can help reduce the risks:

• Improve work/life balance by setting a designated “end” time to the workday

Hybrid work has made it easy to blur the lines between work time and personal time and is a contributor to feelings of burnout among today’s workers. Employees may feel pressured to respond to another email or to review another document late at night. An important aspect of maintaining mental health is to establish and consistently enforce personal boundaries. Encourage employees to protect their personal time and give themselves permission to put the extra work off until tomorrow. Employees can establish a designated end time in the morning and stick to it, prioritize tasks, follow a to-do list, and refrain from adding more to the list today. Dividing the day into “work time” and “personal time” provides structure and helps manage expectations.

• Acknowledge and let go of stress

Allowing employees to process and release stress can offer a reset to mental health and make the day feel less daunting. that deep breathing, positive social interaction, light exercise, laughter, affection, and even crying are all significant stress reducers. Encourage employees to block time on their calendar to acknowledge current stressors. Doing so will allow their brain to process and body to release these stressors. Even a short time engaging in stress-relieving activities can be beneficial.

• Be kind by practicing self-care

Some employees may have demands in their professional and/or personal lives that make self-care feel out of reach. Encourage employees to make themselves a top priority and take part in whatever makes them happy. helps to regulate emotional responses, improves the ability to focus, and can have positive impacts on mood and productivity. Encourage employees to plan for 30 minutes; if this timeframe feels intimidating, they can break it down into two 15-minute breaks at different points of the day. Self-care looks different for everyone, and can include taking a walk, reading a chapter or two in a book, watching funny videos, or going shopping.

• Establish connections and remember purpose

Encourage employees to focus on feeling connected to something bigger than themselves, acknowledging that their work matters, and understanding how their work affects other people. Encourage them to talk with teammates (or privately reflect) about why they joined their industry and what they hope to achieve in their work.

• Take action for long-term professional resolution

Encourage employees to request time to talk to their manager about career advancement, prioritizing/organizing their current workload, or other educational/training opportunities that pique their interest. The entire company benefits when team members feel fulfilled at work.

Learn More about Professional Burnout:

Preventable injuries, commonly known as “accidents,” are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, . Join us in observing National Safety Month as we work together to highlight the leading causes of preventable injury and death in order to create healthier, safer environments at home and in the workplace.

Promoting Safety in the Workplace

This year, the following weekly topics will be highlighted during National Safety Month:

Week 1 – : By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can stay prepared and create a positive and productive environment for their employees. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, providing proper training, and maintaining equipment. Organizations can also use this month to review safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and engage employees in safety initiatives to ensure a safer work environment for everyone.

Week 2 – : It may come as a surprise that the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,486 people died in falls at home and at work, according to . For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important for employers to plan ahead, assess the risks and be sure to use proper, well-maintained equipment. Observational safety programs can also help to reduce the risk of falls at work.

Week 3 – : Every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure and, in some cases, these injuries can be fatal. To avoid hazardous heat exposure, employees should:

• Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks)
• Work shorter shifts or split shifts
• Take frequent breaks
• Quickly identify any heat illness symptoms
• Wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Week 4 – : Even in familiar surroundings, employers need to be looking for dangers in the workplace. Keeping an eye out for hazards and performing routine building safety measures can help organizations identify and avoid them before an injury occurs.

Moving Forward

As a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, 91������ aligns with the principles of National Safety Month by offering comprehensive risk management solutions and insurance products tailored to specific industry needs—all of which enhance workplace safety, minimize potential losses, and protect your bottom line. This month serves as a reminder that investing in safety is not just a legal obligation, but a responsible choice that benefits everyone involved.

Top Blogs of 2022

OSHA Announces Top 10 Safety Violations for 2022

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its list of the most frequently cited safety standards for fiscal year 2022. The annual list, announced at the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo, is determined from worksite inspections and aims to alert employers and safety professionals about frequent citations and violations to help prevent their occurrence.

Manufacturing Industry Trends: What Successful Companies Are Doing Differently

Safety, technology, and strong teamwork to enhance collaboration are just some of the factors that manufacturers are focusing on to create improved efficiencies. As the manufacturing industry eyes positive economic indicators amid continued supply chain disruptions, now is the time for companies to consider some of the key characteristics of future-ready manufacturers.

Honorable Mention
91������-Sponsored Athlete J.J. Spaun Earns Victory in San Antonio, Ticket to Augusta

It’s an exciting time for 31-year-old J.J. Spaun, an 91������-sponsored golf professional who rallied from a double bogey start in the final round at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas, producing birdies and pars thereafter to regain the lead. He dropped to 13 under par and held it, winding up with his first PGA TOUR victory by two shots and an invitation to the Masters this weekend. Fans, followers, and the 91������ family cheered him on and are ecstatic for Spaun and his hard-fought victory.

Top Blogs of All Time

91������ has been sharing helpful information for policyholders on our Insights Blog for nearly a decade. Below are some of our most-read blogs of all time.

• Why a Clean Construction Site is a Top Priority
• Four Construction Accidents that Shook the World
• What is “Construction Defect” and Why all the Fuss?
• Pros and Cons of a Return to Work Program

One common misstep companies can make during a Workers’ Compensation insurance claim is to cut off communication with the involved parties. Communication is a vital method to keeping down costs related to this aspect of insurance, and injured workers want to be kept in the loop with the process.

Additionally, proactive strategies at your workplace can help reduce the likelihood of Workers’ Compensation claims. Consider these key methods to reduce Workers’ Compensation claims:

• Encourage Employees to Take Breaks: Many issues can lead to an increase in workplace injuries, illnesses or accidents. These aren’t always directly related to hazards on the job, and employers should strive to create an environment that promotes healthy behavior. Encourage employees to take breaks, go for walks or perform a variety of tasks throughout the day.
• Rethink Your Workspace: According to California’s Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation, poorly designed workspaces can be detrimental to a person’s health. Working in the same area for a prolonged period can lead to damage in the hands, arms, neck, back, feet or legs. Measures should be taken to prevent workers from unsafely repeating the same motions throughout the day.
• Reduce Worker Stress: Chronic stress can be caused by work overload or pressure, an accelerated work pace, harassment, and job insecurity, among other factors. This stress can cause health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and emotional distress. Employees who are stressed can make mistakes or ignore safety protocols. This could lead to an increase in serious accidents and, ultimately, more Workers’ Compensation insurance costs.

Businesses should remain proactive when considering ways to reduce Workers’ Compensation claims. Any lapse in these areas could have negative effects throughout the company and to your bottom line.

LEARN MORE:

For more information on the ins and outs of a Workers’ Compensation claim, click here.

is observed annually every November and is a time to emphasize better community awareness of this mostly preventable disease that remains a major cause of illness and death, both at home and at work.

Effects in the Workplace

While , other risk factors that can cause lung cancer include exposure to asbestos, diesel fuel, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar. These exposures are common risks in some workplaces, especially for workers in industries such as .

High-risk industries can take precautionary measures to help protect employees from leading causes of lung cancer, such as:

• Limit staff exposure to harmful carcinogens
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators to those who may be at risk for exposure to airborne irritants
• Offer that help identify symptoms at an early stage
• Educate workers concerning the risks of lung disease
• Hire a specially trained health and safety expert to investigate the work environment for risks for occupational lung diseases

Many potential causes of lung cancer can be found in the workplace, but they are easy to control with the proper measures, for all employees.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of occupational injuries and illnesses in the U.S. These disorders develop when workers are exposed to biomechanical forces that regularly exceed the worker’s physical capabilities, such as lifting, extreme postures and extended efforts. Overhead work is recognized as a leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to the shoulder, arm and neck.

Passive Exoskeletons to Prevent MSDs

An exoskeleton is a wearable device that provides physical assistance to the wearer through structural support and assistive torques. The devices are worn on the worker’s body and follows their movements. Because of the tight fit and following of the wearer’s body movements, job functions rarely need to be altered to accommodate the exoskeleton.

Passive exoskeletons are one device type that requires no energy source and are lighter and less bulky than powered exoskeletons. Passive exoskeletons take advantage of mechanical activation, springs and dampers to store energy and transfer force to the heavier muscles of the body. These actions can significantly remove physical strains on the arms, shoulders and neck while performing overhead work.

91������ Pilot Program

91������ is beginning a pilot program to evaluate the use and benefits of exoskeletons in the workplace. As part of the pilot, 91������ has partnered with Ottobock to provide shoulder exoskeletons to support policyholders performing overhead work. The exoskeleton provides shoulder and arm support and fits workers from 5’2 to 6’2 with adjustable support for the overhead work.

“The exoskeleton pilot will enable the company to obtain feedback from policyholders on the acceptability by workers, benefits of use and, ultimately, lead to improved worker safety for more policyholders,” said Dave Galbraith, 91������’s AVP Risk Management and Technical Lead.

For more information or to participate in our pilot programs, contact your risk management consultant.

Adapt the Culture
When a worker becomes injured or sick while on the job, their situation may soon take a toll on the company’s overall costs. The longer the injured worker is away from the job, the higher the total expenses, resulting in an increased likelihood of overall lost productivity in the workplace.

An effective return-to-work program can provide financial relief for employers — but the company must be willing to understand and adapt the culture in order to implement such a strategy successfully.

Welcoming current employees back in a limited or modified role can remove the need to hire temporary staff. Some employers may fear that allowing workers to return too early might lead to more severe injuries; however, this is rarely the case, according to the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Know Your Options

Many return-to-work programs focus on bringing injured employees back to work as soon as they are medically able. Without sacrificing quality care, this type of program facilitates productivity and contains costs by allowing an employee to contribute within their abilities until they can return to their full-duty job. Options for a successful return-to-work program may include:

• Modified work – a return to the job with duties modified
• Transitional work – a return to the job with different duties
• Alternate work – a return to the company within a new role

Understand the Benefits
Businesses can experience a number of benefits from an effective return-to-work program, including minimizing insurance costs and improving their bottom line. According to WorkersCompensation.com, one of the major benefits of a return-to-work program is the ability to ease workers back into the job:

• Enabling employees to remain productive can help them stay motivated and maintain skillsets
• Return-to-work programs can help employers reduce absenteeism,
• A return-to-work program can improve employee relations — while an injured person is learning the ropes again, the business owner or manager and team should stay engaged in the process

Effective return-to-work programs can help reduce insurance costs, ease workers back into the job, remove the need to hire temporary staff, and reduce the length of injury-related absences.

LEARN MORE: BENEFITS OF AN EARLY RETURN-TO-WORK PROGRAM

Physical, mental, and social factors, including fatigue, stress, mental distress and more have been shown to cause changes in an employee’s ability to function properly and ultimately hinder workplace safety. According to a recent employer survey conducted by the NSC, over 90% of employers are just as concerned about the effects of chronic stress and mental health disorders as they are about alcohol and illicit opioids. Subsequently, the definition of workplace impairment has expanded to reflect how safety and well-being go hand in hand within the last few years.

Workers influenced by physical or mental components can pose serious threats to their organizations. The mistakes of impaired workers can impact their peers, increase Worker’s Compensation costs, and ultimately hinder your bottom line. With so many factors at stake, the ability to identify impairment issues within your organization is crucial.

It is important to note that impairment can be both seen and unseen, causing it to sometimes be difficult to recognize. To help combat some of this difficulty, 91������ and technology vendor SOBRsafe are in the early stages of jointly offering a resource for policyholders that acts as a tool for detecting employee impairment. Be sure to contact your 91������ Risk Management Specialist for more information.

Above all, the NSC recommends that employers prioritize implementing the proper policies, training, tools and procedures to create an impairment-free workplace. For more safety resources, toolkits, employer costs calculators and general information on National Safety Month, visit the .