Study shows top workplace safety concern is sick workers

In a new study conducted by Wisconsin Safety Council (WSC) and Rural Mutual Insurance Company, 85% of respondents said they “sometimes” or “often” see coworkers come to work sick when they should have stayed home. In the current environment, exposure to sick co-workers 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,” said Aaron Huebner, WSC executive director. “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 4 ft. away (76%)

Rural Mutual and WSC have developed a free e-book, “Work Safe in Wisconsin,” that provides tips for creating a safer, healthier workplace.