Preventing Workplace Injuries Amid a Shifting Workforce
September 10, 2022 
The race for talent is tight. Finding employees is challenging, and retaining them is an even higher hurdle. Nearly four million workers switched jobs between January to March of 2022, which could translate into an annual worker turnover of 30%.
Now imagine if an injured worker leaves you even more short-staffed. Unfortunately, that hypothetical scenario is becoming a reality for many growers. But why am I talking about this now? The challenge of hiring is no newer than the injury risks that have existed throughout the horticulture industry for years.
The source of injuries, however, might surprise you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 30% of workplace injuries involve employees who’ve been on the job for less than one year. A shift in talent only worsens this issue — especially within an industry that relies on temporary and seasonal workers.
Now, more than ever, it’s critical to train workers — for their safety and your business’s success. To help you get started, I’ve gathered some key reminders from conversations I’ve had in the field with other horticulture businesses.
Common Workplace Injuries
Before you reduce accidents, you need to understand the situations and types of injuries your employees face. An effective workplace safety program should account for all potential injuries, not just one category. Below are some of the most common injuries within greenhouse and nursery settings.
- Slips, trips, and falls: While the name might seem misleading, slips, trips, and falls can escalate into sprains, strains, tears, or even back and head injuries. Wet floors or icy walkways around your greenhouse can cause slips. Ladders are also very common within the industry and often lead to serious falls injuries. Trips and other sources of falls, on the other hand, can occur due to uneven surfaces, cluttered pathways, and trailing hoses.
- Overexertion and muscle strains: Many greenhouse operations require moving and lifting heavy objects. But without the right tools, techniques, and training, routine movements can lead to costly injuries. Common risks include bending at the waist or twisting while carrying an object. Any activity that requires repetitive motions can also create higher injury risk.
- Contact with objects and equipment: Heavy machinery — while helpful for reducing overexertion — can present its own risks. Forklifts, tractors, and related equipment can injure nearby employees when maneuvering around your facility. If an object or equipment makes forcible contact with your employees, it could lead to a significant injury.
- Hazardous material handling: While products like pesticides and herbicides can help protect your plants, they may also harm your employees without proper precautions. Direct exposure to certain substances may lead to possible health effects for your employees. Each substance requires safe handling and careful application to avoid exposure.
Qualities of an Effective Safety Program
Now that we’ve covered common injury risks around your facility, the question remains: what can you do? The first step is developing your safety program. The time you take to create or refresh your safety guidelines can provide significant benefits. A study released by Harvard Business School found that the average business saves an estimated $355,000 in injury costs through workplace safety inspections alone.
When updating your plan, ask your employees for their input. Most individuals understand their duties’ tasks and challenges, making their feedback invaluable. A safety program is only as effective as your team’s commitment. When you listen to their thoughts and feedback, you help improve buy-in.
Once your team is aligned, it’s time to refresh your plan. Your safety program should include policies and procedures that help you:
- Integrate daily safety routines
- Hold a huddle before shifts to discuss daily tasks and provide safety reminders
- Perform routine safety inspections using a checklist
- Reduce and eliminate hazards
- Assign qualified employees to a dedicated safety committee
- Train workers to perform their jobs safety — don’t rely on assumptions
- Implement an incident reporting process
- Develop a safety statement that’s communicated and signed by all employees
Your Safety Program in Action
After establishing the framework of your safety program, you need to put it into practice for it to be effective. Training sessions called tailgate talks can help. These are informal gatherings where your team can discuss safety topics specific to their jobs and your business.
Common themes often include injury prevention, fire hazards, vehicle and equipment use, chemical safety, and facility inspections. Different members of your safety team can lead discussions depending on the topic. Here are some other best practices to consider during your conversations:
- Use an attendance sheet to track who attended the meeting and who you need to follow up with afterward.
- Allow for a question-and-answer session before recapping the safety message.
- Provide an opportunity for hands-on practice, quizzes, or other strategies that get your employees involved.
- Give employees information to take with them. Make a summarized presentation available and accessible for all employees.
By engaging your employees, you can keep safety top of mind and reduce the risks that contribute to accidents. If you need help with safety training, your insurer may have a safety team that includes someone like myself who can help you organize training sessions, educational resources, and regular inspections. Don’t hesitate to seek out support.
The Role of Workers’ Compensation Coverage
By now, I hope the return on investment of workplace safety is clear. Avoiding injuries altogether is more cost-effective than paying for an incident’s direct and indirect costs. Still, accidents happen, and when they do, insurance can help cover the costs associated with a workplace injury.
Workers’ compensation coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs when one of your employees is injured performing a work-related duty. For context, the average cost of a workers’ compensation claim from 2018–2019 was $42,008, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI).
While most states require workers’ compensation coverage, several factors can influence your policy, including payment structures, medical cost containment strategies, and loss control services. These areas could serve as their own article, so it’s best to talk with an agent or insurer about your options.
The Takeaway
Workplace safety requires commitment and repetition because injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. While this article alone can’t cover every safety recommendation, I hope it spurs further conversation among your team. Your next discussion around safety could help reduce future accidents. As always, talk with your local experts to discuss a plan specific to your business. You can also reach out to me if you have any questions. Stay safe.
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