The third annual workplace safety survey by Staples revealed that only half of employees believe their workplaces are prepared for emergencies, and one in five employees report slipping, tripping or falling at work as their biggest safety concern. Accidents involving slips, trips and falls send 9 million people to the hospital each year and are a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims, costing an average of approximately $20,000 per accident.
Nearly two-thirds of those polled said recent natural disasters have not led to their employers reassessing company safety plans. The survey also reveals that in the past six months nearly half of businesses have closed due to severe weather, costing the economy nearly $50 billion in lost productivity1.