“Stress, burnout raise worker safety concerns”

Louise Esola | Business Insurance • September 2023

In the September edition of Business Insurance, Louise Esola highlights some rising concerns regarding worker safety as stress and burnout rates climb to new levels amongst employees. She highlights two main areas of concern in this article which are summarized below:

Workplace Stress & Its Impact on Safety: Increased work hours, demands, and understaffing have elevated stress levels, posing significant safety concerns across industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Experts, including Paul Landsbergis and John Dony, highlight that such stress might lead workers to compromise on safety, resulting in reduced focus, longer reaction times, and impaired decision-making. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a portal addressing workplace stress but faces challenges in enforcing actions against companies based on this concern.

Workers’ Compensation for Stress: Several states consider compensation claims for workplace-induced stress. However, the criteria often require the stress experienced to surpass that which peers in similar roles feel. Recent cases in New York supported this perspective, siding with employers. Legal experts emphasize the need to ascertain if the primary cause of psychological distress is work-related, while industry voices, such as Steve Bennett, call for strict criteria for such claims, highlighting the economic implications.

Don’t let work-related injuries or accidents put your life on hold! Despite safety measures in place, mishaps can still occur. At McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, & Riordan, LLP, we understand the complexities of workers’ compensation, and we’re here to champion your case. With our expert legal team by your side, you can focus on recovery while we fight for your rights. Ready to take control? Give us a call at 866.557.7500.

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Source: Louise Esola | Business Insurance • September 2023 – “Stress, burnout raise worker safety conerns”