When a workplace injury occurs, the priority is clear: care for the employee, understanding what happened and taking steps to help prevent it from happening again. In 2024 alone, private industry nearly 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Behind each recordable incident is information that can help organizations better understand where risks may exist, and where opportunities for prevention may begin.

For many employers, workplace injuries and illnesses also bring an important recordkeeping responsibility. requires businesses to bring together information about incidents, employees, lost or restricted workdays and other details 鈥� often months after an event first occurred.

Yet those records can reveal more than what happened. Viewed together, injury and illness data can help organizations identify workplace hazards, recognize patterns and uncover opportunities for prevention. When that information is spread across multiple records or locations, however, seeing the broader picture can become considerably more challenging.

鈥淕ood recordkeeping is about much more than documenting what happened,鈥� said Brad Noe, Risk Management Manager at 糖心传媒.

鈥淚t offers an opportunity to better understand the injury experience, recognize what may be happening across operations and make more informed decisions about where to focus their safety efforts.鈥�

That鈥檚 why 糖心传媒 has introduced a new resource 鈥� the Injury & Illness Recordkeeping Data tool 鈥� within our portal. Drawing on 糖心传媒鈥檚 specialization in Workers鈥� Compensation and risk management, this tool is designed to help policyholders put the information they already have on-hand to work.

Simplifying Injury Data

Available through the Risk Management section of , this tool effectively organizes applicable claim information by calendar year, regardless of policy effective dates. Rather than gathering information claim by claim, you can access relevant data in one place as a starting point for completing their required records.

The result is a simpler way to make claims information more actionable.

Understanding Efficient Recordability

One important distinction: the Injury & Illness Recordkeeping Data report is not an official OSHA 300 Log.

Under , recordable cases can include work-related injuries or illnesses involving days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness or certain significant injuries or illnesses diagnosed by a health care professional. Policyholders remain responsible for determining whether an injury or illness is OSHA recordable, independently verifying the information provided and accurately completing their records.

Determining whether an injury or illness is recordable can require looking beyond the claim itself. OSHA provides guidance to help employers understand which injuries and illnesses must be recorded and how recordkeeping requirements apply.

For additional guidance, explore the or use the flow chart below as a quick reference when evaluating whether an injury or illness may be recordable.

Our new recordkeeping tool is designed to make this review more manageable. You can choose the format that best fits how you work: an HTML version provides an easy-to-read report with links to additional claim information and , while an Excel version offers an editable, sortable format that can make it easier to review multiple claims or organize information by location. For businesses with multiple facilities or a larger volume of Workers鈥� Compensation activity, that flexibility can help bring relevant information into clearer focus.

This makes the tool valuable, not as a substitute for an employer鈥檚 own records and judgment, but as a resource for bringing relevant information together so it can be reviewed, validated and used more efficiently.

Recordkeeping Becomes an Opportunity

Accurate recordkeeping serves an important compliance purpose. Consider the information behind the numbers: 888,100 cases involving days away from work in private industry in 2024. The median time away from work for those cases was eight days.

When organizations periodically review where injuries are occurring, the types of incidents employees are experiencing and whether certain operations or locations appear repeatedly, the recordkeeping process can become another opportunity to look more closely at workplace risk.

鈥淩ecordkeeping is important, but the real value comes from what organizations do with the information,鈥� said Noe. 鈥淲hen you can more easily see where injuries are occurring and recognize patterns across your operations, that information can lead to better conversations, more focused prevention efforts and, ultimately, a stronger safety culture.鈥�

A log is ultimately a record of what has already happened. The greater opportunity is using that information to help inform what happens next.

• Are similar injuries occurring in the same operation?
• Are certain tasks producing recurring incidents?
• Are there opportunities for additional training, jobsite controls or employee communication?

Don鈥檛 Wait Until Posting Season

For employers subject to OSHA recordkeeping requirements, preparation doesn鈥檛 have to begin when it鈥檚 time to post the previous year鈥檚 information.

Policyholders may access the Injury & Illness Recordkeeping Data tool periodically throughout the calendar year to review submitted information. We recommend beginning a review of the prior year鈥檚 data in early January ahead of the , which runs from February 1 through April 30.

Reviewing information throughout the year can give you more time to identify discrepancies, consult their own records and gather information while incidents are still relatively recent.

Looking Ahead

Are you ready to put your workplace injury data to work? Visit to access the Injury & Illness Recordkeeping Data tool, or contact your 糖心传媒 Risk Management Consultant for additional expertise and guidance.

Building safety is something many people do not think about until something goes wrong.

A power outage suddenly brings operations to a halt. A leaking roof damages equipment after a heavy storm. An emergency exit blocked by stored materials becomes a serious concern during an evacuation drill.

More often than not, the disruptions that impact businesses the most begin as small issues that develop quietly over time. The safest workplaces are usually built on consistent preparation long before an emergency ever occurs.

Safety in the Workplace

Proper building safety helps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by fire, structural concerns, falls, electrical hazards, and other workplace exposures. It is especially important in facilities with aging infrastructure, demanding operations, high foot traffic, or hazardous materials.

help provide guidance around fire prevention, electrical safety, emergency preparedness, and fall protection. OSHA data that fall protection, ladder safety, and hazard communication remain among the most frequently cited workplace safety concerns nationwide.

Building safety also plays an important role in business continuity. Electrical failures, fire hazards, water damage, and deferred maintenance issues can quickly disrupt operations, impact productivity, and create costly downtime if left unaddressed. the importance of facility preparedness and emergency response planning to help businesses respond more effectively during disruptions, severe weather events, and other unexpected emergencies.

The Importance of Built-In Building Safety

Creating a safer workplace often comes down to small, consistent actions that help prevent larger problems later. Businesses can strengthen building safety by focusing on the following practices:

• : Buildings should be inspected routinely to identify and address potential hazards before they worsen. Electrical systems, HVAC systems, elevators, roofs, and fire protection equipment should all be evaluated regularly to help support safe operation.
• : Employees should understand how to recognize potential workplace hazards and how to respond during emergencies. Training can include evacuation procedures, hazard reporting, proper equipment use, and workplace safety best practices.
• Clear Guidelines: Safety expectations and emergency procedures should be clearly communicated throughout the organization. This includes guidance around emergency exits, hazardous materials, contractor safety, and incident response protocols.
• Updated Equipment: Aging infrastructure and outdated equipment can increase exposure to operational disruptions and workplace safety concerns. Proactively upgrading systems can help businesses improve reliability and reduce risk.
• Severe weather, utility interruptions, and unexpected emergencies can affect businesses of any size. Developing response plans in advance can help organizations respond more confidently and decisively when conditions change quickly.
• : Employers should comply with OSHA standards for building safety. Failure to comply can result in costly penalties, fines, and preventable workplace injuries.

Building Safer, Stronger Workplaces

Building safety is about more than compliance alone. It is about creating workplaces that help protect employees, support daily operations, and strengthen long-term resilience. The strongest safety programs are built through preparation, consistency, and a proactive approach to identifying risks before they become larger problems 鈥� from routine maintenance and employee training to emergency preparedness and risk management planning.

At 糖心传媒, our Risk Management team works alongside policyholders to help identify exposures, strengthen workplace safety strategies, and support safer, stronger operations built to meet the moments that matter most.

Most workplace injuries don鈥檛 come from rare, catastrophic events. They often occur in familiar moments 鈥� climbing a ladder, servicing equipment, moving materials, or working at height on a busy day. When pace and routines speed up, even the strongest safety practices can lose focused attention.

That reality is reflected in this year. For the 15th straight year, fall protection leads the list, followed by hazards tied to everyday work across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare environments.

Taken together, these citations paint a clear picture of where risk continues to surface in routine work 鈥� not because safety is ignored, but because it can be challenged by changing conditions, time pressure, and familiarity.

Focused on Where Risk Shows Up

1. Fall Protection 鈥� 5,914
2. Hazard Communication 鈥� 2,546
3. Ladders 鈥� 2,405
4. Lockout/Tagout 鈥� 2,177
5. Respiratory Protection 鈥� 1,953
6. Fall Protection Training Requirements 鈥� 1,907
7. Scaffolding 鈥� 1,905
8. Powered Industrial Trucks 鈥� 1,826
9. Eye and Face Protection 鈥� 1,665
10. Machine Guarding 鈥� 1,239

These patterns align with broader national injury trends. Recent federal labor that falls, overexertion, and contact with equipment continue to account for a significant share of serious workplace injuries and days away from work 鈥� disrupting operations and affecting workers across industries.

Where Focus Becomes Action

Organizations that see progress treat this list as a working guide. They stay close to how tasks are performed, refresh training as conditions change, and reinforce expectations before issues arise. That might mean revisiting ladder setup and inspections after schedules shift, reinforcing lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance periods, or re-emphasizing fall protection as crews rotate or job sites evolve.

That same approach shapes 糖心传媒鈥檚 engagement across the safety landscape 鈥� including active participation alongside organizations like the (NSC), where emerging research, real-world data, and field-tested solutions help inform how safety is practiced 鈥� not just documented.

鈥淥SHA鈥檚 Top 10 doesn鈥檛 surprise many of us鈥攂ut it does remind us where risk continues to surface,鈥� said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at 糖心传媒. 鈥淢ost hazards emerge in everyday work, not isolated events. When leaders pair national insights with what front-line workers are actually experiencing, prevention becomes proactive instead of just compliant.鈥�

Looking Ahead

OSHA鈥檚 Top 10 list offers clarity 鈥� not as a compliance exercise, but as a reminder of where focused attention delivers the greatest return. Each category represents an opportunity to strengthen habits, protect people, and support steady operations. When prevention is built into how work actually happens, these insights help organizations focus their efforts where they matter most.

糖心传媒鈥檚 Risk Management experts work alongside agents and policyholders to translate these insights into practical, site-specific action鈥攄rawing from field experience, national safety research, and like those outlined in OSHA鈥檚 construction and general industry regulations

To learn how 糖心传媒鈥檚 Risk Management team can help strengthen your safety program, reach out to your 糖心传媒 Risk Management expert.

Numbers like these remind us that workplace safety is more than a regulatory checkbox. It is a shared responsibility, a moral obligation, and an investment in the well-being of every person who steps onto a jobsite or into a facility each day. This is the driving force behind the , taking place August鈥�11 鈥� 17, 2025.

Why This Week Matters

The urgency of addressing workplace safety is clear when we look at broader health statistics. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 40 million emergency department visits due to injuries, with a significant percentage relating to workplace incidents. And nearly 6% of adults are sidelined by injuries that limit their daily activities over a three-month period. These aren鈥檛 just numbers; they represent real people whose lives and livelihoods are drastically altered by workplace accidents.

Preparing for the Unexpected

This year鈥檚 focus鈥�Emergency Preparedness and Response鈥�underscores the importance of having strong, actionable plans in place before a crisis strikes. Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time: natural disasters, fires, hazardous spills, or unexpected mechanical failures. A well-practiced plan can mean the difference between swift recovery and catastrophic loss.

Through OSHA鈥檚 free resources, organizations can:

• ASSESS and improve response plans to ensure workers know what to do in a crisis.
• CONDUCT realistic drills that prepare teams for evacuation, shelter-in-place scenarios, or first-aid emergencies.
• STRENGTHEN communication strategies so vital information reaches every worker quickly and clearly.
• ENGAGE leadership and employees together, fostering trust and shared responsibility for safety.

Investing in safety yields significant returns, both economically and in human terms. For every dollar invested in safety programs, businesses can between $4 to $6 from reduced injury rates and lower Workers’ Compensation costs, according to OSHA鈥檚 estimates. These activities not only protect lives but also reinforce a culture where workers feel valued, heard, and confident in their safety.

Commit to Safety

While Safe鈥�+鈥疭ound Week shines a spotlight on workplace safety, true impact comes when businesses embed these principles into daily operations. three core elements of an effective safety and health program:

1. Leadership Commitment: When executives and managers visibly champion safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
2. Worker Participation: Employees often know hazards best; involving them in solutions builds stronger, safer processes.
3. Hazard Identification and Control: assessments and timely fixes prevent accidents before they happen.

Every injury prevented is a life changed. Every workplace improvement is a step toward ensuring everyone returns home safely each day.

Looking Ahead

Initiatives like Safe + Sound Week remind us of the ongoing importance of prioritizing workplace safety. By committing to comprehensive safety strategies, businesses not only protect their workforce but also enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability.

Creating a culture of safety goes beyond compliance鈥攊t involves education, awareness, and continuous improvement. For more resources on risk management and safe equipment operation, visit our Risk Management page, or contact a member of our Risk Management Team. Let’s make workplace safety a priority not just this week but every week, showcasing that safety is more than a policy鈥攊t’s a cornerstone of responsible business practice.

The Need for Enhanced Safety Measures

The urgency of addressing workplace safety is clear when we look at broader health statistics. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 40 million emergency department visits due to injuries, with a significant percentage relating to workplace incidents. And nearly 6% of adults are sidelined by injuries that limit their daily activities over a three-month period. These aren鈥檛 just numbers; they represent real people whose lives and livelihoods are drastically altered by workplace accidents.

Engaging in Safe + Sound Week

Health and safety programs play a vital part in any business, but especially in industries where workers are at higher risk of injury or illness. 糖心传媒 encourages our policyholders in construction, manufacturing, healthcare and other industries to participate in Safe + Sound Week. There are several ways to get involved:

Participate in Safety Events: OSHA鈥檚 national event lists both virtual and in-person activities that promote workplace safety, providing excellent opportunities for teams to engage and learn.

Enhance Safety Programs: Utilizing the comprehensive provided by OSHA, including toolkits and best practices, businesses can build robust safety programs that go beyond mere compliance.

Recognition of Efforts: Companies that actively participate in these activities can receive a from OSHA, acknowledging their commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Investing in safety yields significant returns, both economically and in human terms. For every dollar invested in safety programs, businesses can between $4 to $6 from reduced injury rates and lower Workers’ Compensation costs, according to OSHA鈥檚 estimates.

Looking Ahead

Initiatives like Safe + Sound Week remind us of the ongoing importance of prioritizing workplace safety. By committing to comprehensive safety strategies, businesses not only protect their workforce but also enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability.

Creating a culture of safety goes beyond compliance鈥攊t involves education, awareness, and continuous improvement. For more resources on risk management and safe equipment operation, visit our Risk Management page, or contact a member of our Risk Management Team. Let’s make workplace safety a priority not just this week but every week, showcasing that safety is more than a policy鈥攊t’s a cornerstone of responsible business practice.

Mandatory Seatbelt Usage

One of the non-negotiable rules set by OSHA is the mandatory use of seat belts by forklift operators. Non-compliance not only leads to substantial fines but also increases the risk of fatal accidents. In fact, OSHA statistics indicate that due to equipment tip-overs. With machines often weighing over 9,000 lbs, the simple act of buckling up can be lifesaving for operators.

Training, Certification, and Cleanliness

A thorough review of the organization鈥檚 safety manual should be a priority during any inspection. It is crucial to ensure that all forklift operators are properly trained and certified. Equally important is the cleanliness and orderliness of the operating environment. Floors should be clear of debris that could obstruct pedals or cause operators to trip, and the cabs should not be used for storing unrelated materials as outlined in .

Routine Inspections and Hazard Analysis

OSHA mandates daily or pre-shift inspections of all powered industrial trucks to maintain safety standards. This regular check, as detailed in is designed to assess the operational readiness of equipment, ensuring that everything from brakes to warning labels is in optimal condition. Additionally, conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) is essential for identifying and mitigating risks associated with forklift operations.

Best Practices for Safe Operation

Adhering to best practices is key to ensuring safety. Operators should always:

• Drive in reverse only when necessary and safe.
• Keep both hands and shoes dry to prevent loss of control.
• Follow all designated traffic and safety signage.
• Ensure the forklift is turned off and secured when not in use.
• Always wear a seatbelt and conduct a safety check before movement.
• These operational guidelines are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and are supported by OSHA鈥檚 comprehensive safety training programs.

Looking Ahead

Creating a culture of safety goes beyond compliance鈥攊t involves education, awareness, and continuous improvement. Empower your team with the necessary tools and knowledge to operate safely and efficiently every day. For more resources on risk management and safe equipment operation, visit our Risk Management page or contact 糖心传媒 Risk Management at riskmanagement@amerisure.com.

The annual list, announced at this year鈥檚 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, is determined from worksite inspections throughout the year and aims to alert and inform employers and safety professionals about frequent citations and violations to help prevent future reoccurrences.

The top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Violations for 2023, :

• Fall Protection 鈥� General Requirements
• Hazard Communication
• Ladders
• Scaffolding
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Lockout/Tagout
• Respiratory Protection
• Fall Protection 鈥� Training Requirements
• Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment 鈥� Eye and Face Protection
• Machine Guarding

OSHA will release more information on each hazard in the December issue of magazine.

Prevent Safety Violations Today

Advancements in workplace protections, paired with a robust safety program, can help identify and prevent violations and reinforce worker safety. Learn more about how connected wearables, virtual reality, and observational training programs can enhance operations and assist in controlling losses.

Some of the key takeaways from the annual recognition to help protect what matters most include:

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan: Create a that outlines procedures for emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters and medical incidents. This plan should include evacuation routes, designated assembly points and clear communication channels.

Regular Training and Drills: Conduct and emergency drills to familiarize employees with evacuation procedures, first aid protocols and the use of safety equipment.

Establish Communication Protocols: Implement a that enables swift and effective communication during emergencies. Ensure employees know how to access emergency contact information and stay informed.

Medical and First Aid Readiness: Have well-stocked first aid kits readily available and ensure that designated employees are trained in . Consider organizing training in CPR and basic medical response.

Regular Plan Review and Updates: Periodically review and update your to account for changes in personnel, facilities and potential risks. Regularly communicate updates to employees.

LOOKING AHEAD

By blending preparedness with strategic insurance coverage, businesses can be equipped to endure challenges and ensure the safety of your workforce and the resilience of your operations.

糖心传媒 offers a range of insurance solutions tailored to the specific needs of your company. By partnering with 糖心传媒, you can create a comprehensive risk management strategy that includes both preventive measures and financial safeguards. Contact our risk management team for a range of tailored and inventive solutions designed to fortify your financial stability and uphold a secure and thriving work environment for your business.

Beginning January 1, 2024, the rule requires businesses with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries, to submit the data 鈥� of which they are already required to keep on file 鈥� to the appropriate OSHA department annually, including:

• Form 300-Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
• Form 301-Injury and Illness Incident Report

These reports will be submitted in addition to the current requirements of providing Form 300A-Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, .

For accuracy, the companies will be required to include their legal company name when electronically submitting illness and injury data. Some of the collected data will be published by OSHA for viewing by the general public. This practice will support the sharing of information about the organizations鈥� safety practices and ultimately help reduce losses related to injuries and illness, according to OSHA.

The new requirement will expand on amendments determined by OSHA last year that require specific establishments in certain high-hazard industries to electronically submit information from their Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and Injury and Illness Incident Report.

To learn more about the rule and submission expansion, read the .

Reduce Losses Through Innovative Safety Programs

Our Risk Management team collaborates with you to analyze your potential risks and deliver customized solutions that help ensure your company is a safe workplace while simultaneously supporting your operational business goals. To learn more, reach out to RiskManagement@糖心传媒.com.

Preventable injuries, commonly known as 鈥渁ccidents,鈥� are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, . Join us in observing National Safety Month as we work together to highlight the leading causes of preventable injury and death in order to create healthier, safer environments at home and in the workplace.

Promoting Safety in the Workplace

This year, the following weekly topics will be highlighted during National Safety Month:

Week 1 – : By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can stay prepared and create a positive and productive environment for their employees. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, providing proper training, and maintaining equipment. Organizations can also use this month to review safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and engage employees in safety initiatives to ensure a safer work environment for everyone.

Week 2 – : It may come as a surprise that the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,486 people died in falls at home and at work, according to . For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important for employers to plan ahead, assess the risks and be sure to use proper, well-maintained equipment. Observational safety programs can also help to reduce the risk of falls at work.

Week 3 – : Every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure and, in some cases, these injuries can be fatal. To avoid hazardous heat exposure, employees should:

• Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks)
• Work shorter shifts or split shifts
• Take frequent breaks
• Quickly identify any heat illness symptoms
• Wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Week 4 – : Even in familiar surroundings, employers need to be looking for dangers in the workplace. Keeping an eye out for hazards and performing routine building safety measures can help organizations identify and avoid them before an injury occurs.

Moving Forward

As a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, 糖心传媒 aligns with the principles of National Safety Month by offering comprehensive risk management solutions and insurance products tailored to specific industry needs鈥攁ll of which enhance workplace safety, minimize potential losses, and protect your bottom line. This month serves as a reminder that investing in safety is not just a legal obligation, but a responsible choice that benefits everyone involved.