Survey reveals employees do not feel safe in their workplace

National Safety Council survey finds employees perceive safety as second priority in the workplace

Workers Comp

By Allie Sanchez

Recently released survey results from the National Safety Council (NSC) showed that 33% of the 2,000 respondents across the US believe that their employers prioritise productivity over safety.

NSC data further revealed that the percentage was higher among workers in high risk industries. An estimated 60% in the construction industry and 52% in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector perceived safety to take a back seat to accomplishing work goals. The said industries registered first and second when it comes to the number of occupational deaths each year.

Further findings stated that 62% of construction workers believe management does the bare minimum to promote safety at work. In addition, 61% of those surveyed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector noted resistance to safe work measures among employees.

Overall, however, 70% of employees reported that safety training is part of their orientation and that employee health and well-being are promoted in the workplace.  

The survey is based on NSC’s Employer Perception Surveys, which is released every June during National Safety Month to raise awareness about the leading causes of preventable occupational deaths and how workplace risks can be reduced.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace deaths in 2014 were equal to those in 2008. Furthermore, it revealed that almost 5,000 workers died from car crashes, contact with objects and equipment, exposure to harmful substances, and slip, trips, and falls.
 

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