What Are Onsite Injury Prevention Providers?

Employers are looking for new ways to make the workplace safer, and constant improvements are being made, whether through an individual employer or due to OSHA regulations. Many workers know there is an inherent risk to any job and should follow all rules and do their part. Studies show when there is a reduction in workplace accidents, there are lower turnover rates, higher productivity, and lower operating costs. While there have been many changes, one industry that can use some more is the construction industry.

One measure that many construction companies are taking is hiring a full-time onsite emergency medical technician (EMT). These medical professionals are there to respond to all workplace injuries and illnesses. There is some pushback, however, because the only way to benefit from an onsite EMT is if people suffer injuries. Many construction companies have chosen not to use these professionals, leaving many employees not getting proper care for workplace injuries.

Instead, construction companies are now focusing on prevention instead of reaction.

What does an onsite injury prevention provider do?

Employers should protect their employees because they cannot stay in business without them. Onsite injury prevention providers are individuals who help employees prevent injury, just as the name suggests. They provide education on health, wellness, and injury prevention. Just like athletic trainers or physical therapists, they coach employees on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and more. While these professionals are most often seen in sports arenas, construction work is another career that requires heavy use of the body. The more proactively the employee uses their body, the longer they can stay in the field and the better they are at preventing an injury.

When an injury does happen, onsite injury prevention providers will look to find the root cause of the issue and use less invasive techniques to treat workers. They will also work on pain reduction, even in chronic pain sufferers. It is vital to avoid the potential for an employee to fall into the pain medication trap.

If you do suffer a workplace injury, you should speak with a Maryland workers' compensation attorney who will help you file a claim and help you obtain the medical treatment you need require.

People are suffering severe injuries at work

Every Maryland employee wants to feel safe at work. Even though some occupations present an inherent risk, that does not exempt employers from protecting workers from injuries and providing them benefits when injured. Many believe you cannot get a workplace to zero injuries, but employers can try. Some employers may not care about their workers and do not take any preventative measures to keep them safe. An accident-free or near-accident-free workplace benefits everyone because employees are happier, and employers have less to worry about paying out claims or turnover rates.

We do not live in a perfect world, and while that is the ideal outcome, many employers may not see the benefits of keeping employees safe and happy. Many workplace accidents are preventable According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 2.7 million reported workplace injuries and illnesses and 2,764 fatalities in 2020. That number does not include accidents and injuries that are not reported, the actual total is likely much higher.

Construction workers are less likely to get help

Construction employers reported 174,1000 injuries and illnesses attributed to the workplace for the same reporting year above. Nearly half of those injuries required the person to miss work. Many workers believe that injuries are common since they accepted the risk of getting into this field, and they do not need to take any action.

Workers often wait until their pain is unbearable before they take any action. However, an onsite prevention specialist can spot when an employee potentially needs medical intervention. These prevention specialists will investigate the root of the problem and devise a treatment plan. Early prevention is critical because waiting too long to get treatment can cause you to end up in a worse situation. Another benefit construction employers see is that OSHA does not record these treatments, so it does not affect their bottom line.

What are OSHA hazards?

If you were unaware, OSHA is the agency that regulates workplace safety across all industries. According to OSHA, construction is a high-hazard industry that exposes workers to grave dangers. Some examples of hazardous conditions include:

• Unguarded machinery
• Falling objects
• Failing from heights
• Electrocutions
• Explosions
• Exposure to chemicals

OSHA offers guidance and regulation for all construction sites that employers must adhere to, and when an injury or accident occurs, the employer must report it to OSHA. They can conduct an independent investigation into the incident depending on its severity and circumstances. When a company does not follow OSHA regulations regarding safety for employees and others, it can face steep penalties.

Construction workers are at high risk for injury. Employees in Maryland have the right to obtain workers' compensation benefits when they suffer any on-the-job injury regardless of fault.

Plaxen Adler Muncy has offices throughout Maryland, and we work to secure medical treatment and compensation for injured construction workers. Our workers' compensation attorneys know how the system works and how to file a successful claim. Don’t be scared when you suffer an injury, and don’t try to ignore it. Instead, call us or fill out our contact form.