Cost of Workplace Injuries Rises

The cost of workplace injuries and illnesses continues to rise despite a drop in the number of workplace incidents, according to a safety index from a national insurer.

The number of the most serious workplace injuries and illnesses fell by 1.5 percent, but their cost, including both medical and lost-wage payments, increased by 2.9 percent from 2017 to 2018 for the insurer.

Overexertion was again the top cause of workplace injuries, costing employers $13.7 billion in 2015, according to the index.

Falls on the same level was next on the list with a cost of $11.2 billion, while falls to a lower level cost employers another $5.9 billion.

Rounding out the top five causes were struck by an object or equipment at $5.3 billion and other exertions or bodily reactions at nearly $4.2 billion, according to the index.

Source: Business Insurance