Study: Sick Workers Are a Top Workplace Safety Concern in Wisconsin

Employees who come to work even though they are sick are a top concern for workers in Wisconsin, according to a new study released by Wisconsin Safety Council (WSC) and Rural Mutual Insurance Co.

WSC and Rural Mutual reported 85% of study respondents said they “sometimes” or “often” see a coworker come to work sick even though he/she should have stayed home. In the current environment, exposure to sick coworkers is the leading safety concern for workers in Wisconsin.

In an effort to identify top workplace safety concerns and provide solutions during National Safety Month in June, WSC and Rural Mutual polled more than 180 WSC members, the majority of whom are safety professionals working in Wisconsin trades, including contractors, manufacturers and construction workers. The study was completed in April.

“Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we know businesses and organizations across the state are looking to create safer work environments now more than ever,” Aaron Huebner, WSC executive director said in a media release. “This study revealed safety professionals should focus on establishing initiatives that prevent the spread of infection and reduce exposure to employees who are sick.”

The respondents indicated several other top safety risks in the workplace:

• Interacting with hazardous materials (80%)
• Driving for work-related activities (80%)
• Standing for more than two hours in a row (79%)
• Working in high noise levels where a raised voice is needed to talk to people less than four feet away (76%)

A new, free e-book from Rural Mutual and WSC is now available to help safety professionals and trade workers in Wisconsin address these leading safety concerns. The ‘Work Safe in Wisconsin’ e-book offers easy to implement solutions for a safer and healthier workplace.

The e-book includes tips for those looking to create a safer workplace, including:

• Foster a safety culture. Ensure all employees feel comfortable reporting a safety concern when they see it. See something, say something, do something.
• Give employees a voice at the table. Before implementing a new safety initiative or when elevating existing safety programs, engage the frontlines and ask employees for their feedback.
• Adopt a proactive, not reactive approach. If we wait until an accident happens to address a safety concern, we will never get ahead of the issue.

Source: WSC, Rural Mutual Insurance Co.

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Wisconsin