Sadly, most of these events were probably preventable, say the experts at the University of Michigan's renowned Trauma Burn Center who help treat many workers with serious wounds suffered on the job. To fight this problem at its source, the center's staff is offering a new injury-prevention program called SiteSafe . Program educators go directly to job sites to help workers recognize and avoid risk-taking behavior. An injury is something that is, in almost all cases, predictable and preventable.
Injuries can be costly for the employee, and the employer.
Because major trauma-causing incidents, such as falls or electrocutions, are highly preventable, SiteSafe is focusing on occupations with a high incidence of these hazards. The program's target groups right now are firefighters, utility workers and individuals in construction and manufacturing jobs. More than 5,000 workers at over 100 job sites have already taken part. Construction workers face some of the worst risks, McReynolds says, yet most have little training in injury prevention or first aid. Those with limited experience, especially, may not realize the hazards of their work environment.