Employees are the lifeblood of every company. It is vital for employers to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, not just while they are at work but also outside of work. Unfortunately, employees can get injured outside of work in various ways.
For example, according to the National Safety Council, more than 3500 people died in traffic accidents involving distracted drivers, mostly adults. That means that one out of every four fatalities on the road is due to a driver being distracted. And it’s not just drivers who are at risk. Pedestrians and cyclists also face serious risks when they are near traffic. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. That’s a pedestrian fatality every 1.6 hours.
In addition to traffic accidents, employees can also get injured in other accidents. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 33,000 people died from unintentional injuries. That’s more than 90 deaths per day. Accidental injuries include things like falls, poisonings, and drownings.
Employers should take steps to ensure the safety of their employees both inside and outside of work. Here are a few steps to achieve it.
Providing Safety Training
One of the best ways to keep employees safe is to provide safety training. The company or an outside organization can provide this training. Safety training should cover various topics, including how to prevent accidents, what to do if an accident happens, and how to respond to emergencies.
Of course, your efforts will start with safety inside the workplace. Knowing they can trust their employer to keep them safe will encourage employees to be more cautious outside work. Eventually, health and safety programs should include tips and advice at home, in public, or during transportation. Those efforts will cost resources, but the benefits will quickly make up for the initial investment.
It doesn’t have to be an established process. You can provide small financial incentives for employees who safely commute to work or participate in company-sponsored activities.
Establishing Employee Assistance Programs
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are another way to help employees stay safe. EAPs provide confidential counseling and support for employees who may be facing personal or work-related problems. These programs can help employees cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
EAPs can also provide support for employees who are struggling with substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one in 10 adults aged 18 and over struggle with drug abuse. Substance abuse can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death.
EAPs can help employees get the treatment they need to recover from substance abuse. In addition, EAPs can provide support to employees’ families. This is important because an employee’s substance abuse can also affect family members.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Employers can also promote healthy lifestyles for their employees. This can be done in various ways, such as providing gym memberships, offering healthy food options, and sponsoring wellness programs. Promoting healthy lifestyles can help employees avoid accidents and injuries. It can also help them cope with stress and anxiety.
In addition, promoting healthy lifestyles can help prevent chronic diseases. According to the CDC, about half of all adults in the United States have one or more chronic diseases. These diseases include heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Providing Legal Assistance
Unfortunately, accidents and injuries do happen. When they do, employers need to provide legal assistance to employees. This assistance can help employees get the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
There are many ways to provide legal assistance to employees. Employers can give legal insurance, which covers the costs of legal aid. Employers can also hire lawyers to represent their employees. In addition, employers can provide information about employee rights and how to file a claim.
Employees might also need personal injury lawyers to ensure they remain fairly compensated. Unfortunately, finding one can be difficult. Your connections can help employees get the necessary compensation they need.
You can also find other lawyers specific to the injury case of the employees. The process will start with learning the details, allowing you to seek out specialists who can help your worker get compensation for the unwanted accident.
Final Thoughts
An employee injured outside work can be stressful for the employee and the employer. However, there are steps that employers can take to help their employees through this difficult time. Providing safety training, establishing employee assistance programs, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing legal assistance are ways employers can help their employees recover from an injury.
