Important takeaways from recent studies

Study: Demand conditions and worker safety: evidence from price shocks in mining

Findings: The study examines the relationship between demand and safety. While it's often speculated that higher demand could lead to improved profits and more investment in safety, the authors found that it incentivized firms to focus on production over safety. "In economic terms, the opportunity cost of focusing on safety - that is, the potential profits lost - goes up when demand is higher. And that creates a second force counteracting the greater ability to invest in safety."

The research is based on the mineral mining industry in the US, where accident reporting is carefully monitored and the global price reflects demand. Researchers found that a 1% increase in price led to an increase of .15% in serious injuries and mortality - evidence supporting the opportunity cost hypothesis. Records from the mine inspections provided even starker evidence that high demand leads mines to prioritize production over safety. A 1% increase in price led to a .13% increase in violations of health and safety regulations; many deemed from a negligent or willful act by the employer.

Takeaway: For years, safety and production were viewed as competitors suggesting workers and managers had to choose whether to work safely or get the job done quickly at any cost. Smart employers ingrain safety into production by treating it as an integral part of the systems and processes and this relationship is not compromised when production pressures intensify. If there's a race to beat the clock, there are no winners - injuries and losses inevitably occur.

Study: Top 20 most physically demanding jobs

Source: Insurance Providers

Findings: To identify the most physically demanding jobs, researchers analyzed data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and created an index to measure the overall level of physical demands for different jobs based on strength, stamina, coordination, and flexibility requirements. Not surprisingly, 15 of the top 20 jobs were in careers such as roofers, construction, and firefighters. But the #1 spot for the most physically demanding job may surprise you. Among all occupations on this list, dancers require the greatest amount of stamina, flexibility, and coordination.

Takeaway: Don't get swayed by stereotypes. Not all physically demanding jobs involve manual labor.

Study: Experiences of healthcare in Australia's Workers' Compensation schemes

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, January 2020

Findings: The study aimed to determine how stressful healthcare provider interactions impacted the return to work. The findings were consistent with previous studies - "stressful healthcare provider interactions have a negative association with return to work." Understanding and respect from providers led to a more trusting relationship and faster return to work, whereas lack of understanding and poor communication were associated with negative outcomes.

Takeaway: Don't underestimate the value of creating and maintaining strong injured worker/doctor relationships that are based on trust, compassion, and understanding. "...Experiencing stressful interactions with providers was significantly associated with 33 percent lower odds of return to work."

Study: Safety management in the construction industry 2020

Source: Dodge Data & Analytics, 2020

Findings: The report examines safety management in construction. Key findings include:

Jobsite workers and supervisors dominate the four factors selected by the highest percentage of contractors as essential aspects of a world-class safety program: jobsite worker involvement (84%), strong safety leadership abilities in supervisors (83%), regular safety meetings with jobsite workers and supervisors (82%) and ongoing access to safety training for supervisors and jobsite workers (77%).
The most popular safety policies are the site-specific ones, including creating site-specific safety and health plans and training programs for all employees and subcontractors. However, there is room for wider adoption of these measures, especially among small contractors (fewer than 20 employees).
While most contractors (66% or more) encourage workers to react to and report hazards onsite, far fewer ask workers for input on safety conditions (50%) or involve workers in safety planning (39%).
Toolbox talks remain the most effective way to communicate safety messages and provide information on tools, practices, and materials.
Contractors still expect to increase their use of online training in the next few years, but, surprisingly, a lower percentage reported using it than in 2017.

Takeaway: While involving jobsite worksite workers has topped the list of essential aspects of a world-class safety program since 2015, this report shows that strong safety leadership by supervisors and regular safety meetings between jobsite workers and supervisors are also essential. The study reveals more opportunities to engage jobsite workers as well as opportunities to strengthen the training of supervisors.