Utah WCF Urging Workplace Safety for Fall/Winter

As temperatures fall, certain workplace injuries tend to rise. Utah’s Workers Compensation Fund is urging workers statewide to learn preventive tactics to remain safe on the job this fall and winter.

Common cold-weather workplace injuries include vehicular accidents, slips and trips, and overexposure to below-freezing temperatures. “We see weather-related trends in injuries, so we’re alerting Utah’s workforce to avoid unnecessary pain, down-time and stress by using caution,” said Lane A. Summerhays, WCF president and CEO.

While specific seasonal data is not available, general statistics demonstrate the impact of work-related illnesses and injuries:

In 2003, 65,746 Utah workers reported work-related injuries. (Source: Utah Labor Commission)

Nationally, 14,290 U.S. workers sustain injuries or illnesses on the job each day, and 15 people die from work-related injuries every day. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The economic impact of work-related illnesses and injuries has been estimated at more than $170 billion annually, the same as cancer. (Source: RMCOEH)

The top cause for work-related fatalities in the U.S. is vehicular accidents, followed by homicides and falls. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Work-related injuries and illnesses can affect all Utahns, whether they work in an office setting, retail store, manufacturing plant, construction site or on the road.

WCF’s team of safety professionals provides in-depth safety training for companies in manufacturing, construction, transportation, hospitality, office management, and many other fields. Safety seminars are free to WCF policyholders (non-policyholders may also attend for a nominal fee). More information on work-related injuries can be found at www.wcfgroup.com.