New Jersey Near Top of the List for Workplace Safety
Many people enjoy living in New Jersey. For those who work there, they may be happy to know that the state ranks high for worker safety.
Protex Ai, a safety company, compiled a list of the most dangerous states for workers based on their level of safety in terms of work environment. According to the report, New Jersey came out looking pretty good. While the state has a relatively high cost of living, in the last five years, it has had fewer workplace fatalities among other states, at just 2.67 per 100,000 workers.
What is driving these changes? Key initiatives contributing to New Jersey’s success include the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program. This organization provides protections for local and state government employees. The state has also enacted the Right to Know Act, which mandates that employers disclose information about hazardous substances in the workplace. In addition, New Jersey has robust workers’ compensation laws that help support employees suffering from job-related injuries or illnesses. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides federal oversight, many states, like New Jersey, choose to implement additional regulations.
While OSHA’s efforts have significantly reduced worker injuries and deaths since 1970, there is still a lot of work to do. In 2022, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries across the United States. This is equal to 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.
Some occupations are more hazardous occupations than others. Farming, fishing, and forestry is the most dangerous industry to work in the United States. This industry has 23.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers. Second on the list is the transportation and material moving industry, with 14.6 deaths per 100,000 workers. Construction and extraction is third on the list, with 13 fatalities per 100,000 laborers.
Making Workplaces Safer
Workplace safety is necessary to protect employees. Here are the key elements to maintaining a safe workplace:
- Training and education. Regular safety training for all employees can help with hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and proper use of equipment.
- Clear safety policies and procedures. Have a well-documented safety manual that includes policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Access and communication. Ensure all employees have easy access to safety policies and understand how to follow them.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment. Conduct routine inspections to identify potential hazards and implement controls to mitigate them.
- Use of personal protective equipment. Provide the necessary protective gear tailored to specific job roles, such as gloves, helmets, and goggles.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The workplace should be a safe place for employees. While some are more dangerous than others, workers should not have to live in fear of a serious accident on a daily basis.
Injured at work? Get the help you need from a Morristown work-related accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We strongly believe in working closely with clients and their families. We understand how stressful and difficult it can be for any family to deal with the consequences of serious injuries and the process of recovering compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
nj1015.com/new-jersey-is-one-of-the-safest-states-for-worker-safety/