Making better data-driven decisions

By Brian Sornson, State Agency Operations Supervisor

What time of year do certain injuries occur? Which injuries result in the longest disability? What kinds of accidents are on the rise? 

While you can’t predict and prevent every workplace injury, reliable data can help you make better decisions, lower costs, and create a safer and healthier environment for your employees.

At SAIF, we have a wealth of information on workers’ comp claims going back decades. We use this data to help policyholders get a better sense of when, where, and why injuries might be occurring, and to develop strategies to mitigate future risk. Here are just a few ideas for how to make claims data work for you.

Plan targeted safety campaigns

It probably comes as no surprise that slips and falls on ice or snow happen most often in the winter, as this chart shows. By analyzing claims data, you can also predict when other types of injuries are likely to occur.

Claims for falls, slips, or trips on ice or snow (2012–2018)

Why not use this knowledge to prepare in advance for inclement weather or other seasonal concerns. A well-timed awareness campaign can help you get a jump on accidents before they occur. Need ideas? Here are seven things you can do right now to prevent weather-related injuries.

Get a handle on cost drivers

Knowing which injuries are the most frequent and severe is another way to manage workers’ comp costs. The chart below demonstrates that shoulder, knee, and lower back injuries tend to result in the longest periods of disability and incur the most expense.

Top injured body parts (2012–2018)

Taking a closer look at job duties and redesigning tasks may be one way to prevent these common but costly claims. (The hierarchy of controls can help you analyze and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.) Also, it may be time to reassess your wellness programs, since healthier workers are less likely to be injured, and they recover faster and more completely if they are hurt. Want to know more? Read about shoulder injuries and the aging workforce, and find tips to address the issue.

Spot emerging trends

The way we live and work is rapidly changing, and so are the risks we face. Since 2015, motor vehicle accidents have risen sharply, and data indicate this upward trend is likely to continue.

Motor vehicle accidents (2012–2017)

Although auto accidents have many contributing factors, distracted driving is clearly a huge issue in Oregon and around the country. At SAIF, we can provide resources to help your employees be safer on the road. Programs such as Oregon’s DriveHealthy campaign are a great way to get started.

Dig deeper

If you are a state agency, we strongly encourage you to use Oregon’s individual agency detail dashboard tools, which include robust data slicers and charts, plus an extensive user’s guide. SAIF can help you leverage these tools to develop risk mitigation strategies or action plans. Contact your assigned senior safety management consultant to learn more.