The Cost of Slips, Trips and Falls

>> Dec 22, 2016

Slips, trips and falls are an ever-present danger no matter what industry you work in. Every year, thousands of work-related injuries due to such slips, trips and falls occur in Australia, the most common of which include fractures, bruises, dislocations, musculoskeletal injuries, and even death.

SafeWork 2013 statistics show that slips, trips and falls account for about 21.2% of all injuries in Australia, making it the 2^nd leading cause of workplace injuries. Such injuries, although they are not typically severe, do require extensive healing and recovery time, which in return, costs the company dearly.

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Understanding Slips, Trips and Falls

In order to understand what costs we are talking about here, we first need to understand what accounts as trips, slips and falls.

A trip occurs when an individual unexpectedly catches their foot on something. The most common causes of trips include cracked floors, electrical leads, and other obstructive items in their way.

Slipping occurs when an individual/worker looses traction on the floor. The most common cause of such an incident involves wet, greasy or highly polished surface as well as inept footwear.

Falls happen when a person either trips or slips. Falls occur from a height, missing steps on a staircase, or miscalculating the placement and height of a curb or inclined plane.

Slips, Trips and Falls – Some Statistics

Some noteworthy statistics collected from The Cost of Work-related Injury and Illness for Australian Employers, Workers and the Community: 2012–13 report provides an insight into how slips, trips, and falls affect the health of the workers and cost the employers dearly, making it pivotal for them to take better safety initiatives at workplaces. Some of the statistics include:

Talking about the burden on economic agents, the report states that 74% of the overall cost is borne by the workers, 5% of it is borne by the employers, and 21% of it is borne by the community.
According to the estimates presented in 2012-2013 report, slips, trips and fall-related injuries estimated to be 6,640 million with 21 worker incidents.
The costs of work-related injuries and diseases to workers, their employers, and to the community in the 2012–12 financial year data are estimated to be around $61.8 billion.
Work-related injuries including trips, falls, and slips account for $28 billion of the total economic cost (45%).
The average unit cost of a work-related incident borne by economic agents is estimated to range between $116-$600.

Understanding the Costs

Work-related injuries result in heavy costs being beared by employers, workers, and the community alike. These costs can be categorized into 2 different types; direct and indirect costs. Direct costs account for items such as premiums paid by the employers, worker’s compensation, and payment by the employer to the incapacitated or injured party from the worker’s compensations jurisdiction.

On the other hand, indirect costs involve items such as loss of productivity, loss of future and current earning, loss of potential output, and the cost incurred in providing social welfare programs for those injured or those who are left incapacitated.

Slips, trip and falls account for multiple major injuries at the workplace, causing both, workers and employers, loss in terms of human and monetary resources. In what ways does it cost the worker and the employer? Let’s take a closer look at that.

Slip, trips and falls annually cost employers approximately $28 billion in terms of production and delay in work processes as a result of the workers not being able to attend their workplace due to their injuries. If we were to calculate it individually, it results in employers suffering from insurance costs, production delays, equipment damage costs, investigation time, new labour trainings, clerical efforts, fines etc. Sadly, it isn’t only the employer that suffers due to this; the employee too has to pay the cost of missed work days by doing overtime, suffering from a loss of income, injury pain, reduced life quality, stress and worry etc.

At the end of the day, it is safe to say that neither of the two parties involved gets away with it, making it pivotal for employers to take considerate measures to ensure no such incident occurs at the workplace.

Sources:

https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/costs.htm

http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/workplace-hazards/falls

https://sourceable.net/slips-trips-falls-common-problem/

Which is best: Whey Protein or Soy Protein?

Whey

Whey protein and soy protein are both supplements fetched by body builders. These supplements have their own benefits along with exercise. Research has shown that whey protein is superior and the biggest among protein supplements but soy protein is an effective alternative. You can click here to know which one will fulfill your needs.

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The Benefits of Soy Protein

Soy protein is a plant protein created from soybean consisting of isoflavones. It is a good source of vitamin B, fiber, iron, zinc and calcium.

The phytochemicals present in soy can help in reducing the risk of cancer.
It provides healthy body weight.
It controls blood sugar.
It reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Guard your minute cells with Whey

Whey protein is a milk protein extracted from cow’s milk. It may contain health promoting effects and antioxidants. Whey protein used in different biochemical process that is important for muscle shrinkage, growth and repair. Whey protein stimulates glutathione which is an important antioxidant for protecting human cells. Whey protein can also guard human prostate cells from oxidant-promoted cell death. It also protect from cancer activity. The best time to take whey protein is after your workout within 1 hour.

Whey Protein are of two varieties – whey concentrate and whey isolate.

Whey concentrate: It is more economical option. Low lactose level is appropriate for lactose-sensitive people. It has insignificant amount of carbs and fat for your overall body health. It is the best-selling form of whey.
Whey Isolate: It is basically fat-free especially for those who don’t want to include fat in their health diet. It has even lesser lactose compared to whey concentrate. It has better taste than whey concentrate and also thinner.

Choose Whey Protein over Soy Protein for muscle building

Whey protein is more beneficial than soy protein in muscle building in various ways. The human body absorbs whey protein quickly. It contains high level of amino acids that are crucial for muscle building and thus, it results in higher speed of muscle protein synthesis that soy protein. Whey protein indulges in muscle building process while soy protein doesn’t. Whey protein helps to reduce a hormone called cortisol which can break down muscle following exercise. On the other hand, soy protein can reduce the male hormone testosterone.

Whey Protein for Weight Loss

Both whey protein and soy protein are tested on weight loss ability in obese people. Whey protein helps in reducing waist size. It is known that different protein supplements show different effects on weight loss and body composition. It is also stated that the dietary commendation emphasizes especially the crucial characteristics of dietary protein nutrient in availing weight change, should also provide the demonstrated clinical prospect of whey protein.

Top Five Premium Range Puma Running Shoes for Discerning Shoppers

Early morning jogging or walking is the favorite exercise of those who would like to stay fit. This is valid for all age groups. Although, there are other ways of keeping fit like joining a gym or doing yoga, some people just prefer either brisk walking or jogging. This is because it is convenient for them. However, to have an excellent exercise while brisk walking or running, it is important that you have a good pair of running shoes. When selecting a pair of running shoes, it is necessary for you to conduct the due diligence exercise and not settle for anything you set your eyes on. Given below are the top 5 premium ranges of Puma running shoes.

1. The Puma Ignite : among the most popular Puma running shoes at Myntra

Available in several color options, the second version of Puma Ignite contains a mesh and a tongue both of which ensure that it fits snugly on the foot. Thanks to the silicone print on the inner heel of the shoe this shoe secures the leg and eliminates it’s slipping. What is more, the forefoot flex feature provides a smoother ride to the user. Additionally, the Ever Track technology used in this shoe increases its durability. All said and done, this is the best pair of shoes used for normal training purposes. It has a weight of 272 grams (male) and 227 grams (female). It has a heel to toe drop of 12mm in both the men’s and woman’s versions.

2. The Puma Faas 300 : one of the best Puma running shoes at Myntra

The Puma Faas 300 is another widely used premium Puma shoe for competitions and marathons by both men and women. Even on wet roads, this shoe gives an excellent grip so that athletes can use them in all seasons. Its AirMesh upper enables the foot to breathe without any problems. Its no-sew overlays enhance the structural fitting of the upper portion of the shoe. With 360 degrees reflectivity and lightweight construction, this shoe can be used in any type of terrain.

3. The Puma Faas 500 S : light weight yet sturdy

At a weight of 215 grams (female) (male 255 grams), this shoe is well balanced and offers a springy feel to the user, thanks to its Faas foam+ technology. Its anti-bacterial mechanic sock liner is the favorite of many runners. Its Ever Track technology protects it from wear and tear. As if not all this is enough, in the forefoot area, it has flex grooves, which give it flexibility and adequate natural movement. Thanks to its balanced nature, stability mechanics give a controlled and excellent performance as far as the user is concerned.

4. The Puma Faas 500 : Puma running shoes at Myntra getting rave reviews

This shoe is useful for normal training. The Faas 500 is a light weighted running shoe that is suitable for running on roads. It offers runners protection, comfort and a smoother ride. Best for uptempo training and daily training, this shoe has an overall reflective overlay which gives it added safety when it is used on low visibility. If someone is looking for running shoes that offers great cushioning properties at the same time being light in weight, then the Puma Faas 500 is the shoe to go to. All said and done, this shoe is the best shoe for all round running of all types.

5. The Puma Mobium Elite Speed : for the discerning sporty few

The Puma Mobium Elite Speed version 2 has extremely durable construction on the back of a great style and design. The expansion pods in the mid sole give extra flexibility, protection, and cushioning to the shoe. With light EverRide+ technology used in its making this shoe gives better traction and sets it up for a smooth toe-off. It is very comfortable to wear. This shoe is a godsend for all mid-foot running fans thanks to its expansion pods. The midsole and outsole have podular construction right from the arch through to the forefoot.

Read this also : Amazing health benefits of running and tips for beginners