Workplace injuries don’t just hurt the employee—they hit your bottom line, slow down operations, and increase your OSHA recordables. For companies in construction, manufacturing, and other hands-on industries, one injury can snowball into lost time, higher insurance premiums, and compliance headaches.
The good news? Most injuries can be prevented. And when they do happen, the right occupational medicine doctor in St. Louis can dramatically reduce the long-term impact.
Let’s break down the real costs of workplace injuries—both visible and hidden—and what you can do to protect your team and your business.
The Visible Costs of Injuries – What you see can hurt you
- Medical Expenses
The most immediate cost of a workplace injury is the medical treatment. ER visits, X-rays, MRIs, medications, and follow-up appointments can rack up quickly—especially if your employee ends up in the hospital instead of going to a dedicated occupational medicine clinic in St. Louis. - Lost Time & Productivity
An injured employee may need days or weeks off work, which can throw off project timelines or require you to pay overtime to other team members. - OSHA Recordables
Certain injuries, like those requiring prescription meds or restricted duty, are classified as “recordable” by OSHA. High recordable rates can increase your scrutiny during audits and even affect your ability to win bids. We will discuss these in a future blog. [Update once blog 3 is published] - Workers’ Comp Insurance Premiums
A single claim can impact your Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which in turn raises your workers’ comp insurance premiums. That one injury could affect your rates for the next three years!
The Hidden Costs of Workplace Injuries – What you can’t see, can still hurt you
- Morale and Culture
When employees see a teammate get hurt—especially if it’s serious—it impacts morale. They may feel anxious, unsafe, or even resentful if the injury could have been avoided by your company. - Turnover & Hiring Costs
Injuries can lead to burnout among remaining staff or a mistrust in the leadership team. If injured workers don’t feel supported, you risk losing them altogether—and replacing trained labor is never cheap. - Reputation Damage
Word travels fast. Especially in tight-knit trade communities. A reputation for frequent injuries or poor safety practices can make it harder to hire good talent and secure contracts. - Downtime and Delays
Injuries can force partial shutdowns, especially if OSHA inspections are triggered or key personnel are off the job. That downtime isn’t just a cost—it’s lost opportunity.
How to Prevent Injuries Before They Happen
- Regular Safety Training
Make safety a habit, not a one-time training. Use toolbox talks, drills, and real-world examples. Get your team involved in identifying risks. Having a quarterly safety event keeps safety at the forefront of your business. - Proper Equipment & Maintenance
Invest in quality PPE and ensure all equipment is regularly serviced. Encourage employees to report issues without fear of punishment. Implementing a virtual way to report these issues anonymously have helped many businesses keep their employees safe and their morale up. - Ergonomic Assessments
Back injuries are one of the most common (and costly) injuries. Regular ergonomic checks can prevent musculoskeletal disorders in lifting, standing, or repetitive-motion roles. Dr. Webb at OccMedMD can help provide an assessment specific to your business and its practices. - Clear Reporting Protocols
Employees should know exactly what to do if they get hurt. A fast response often reduces the severity of an injury. Make sure supervisors are trained on first response and reporting. Keeping documentation clear and easily accessible (ie. on a bulletin board, in the breakroom, or on the floor) makes it easier to remember what to do.
Why Fast, Specialized Care Matters Not all medical providers understand the balance between employee care and employer needs. Sending injured workers to an ER or general clinic may result in unnecessary recordables, days off, or vague return-to-work guidelines.
At OccMedMD, we:
- Prioritize same-day or next-day appointments
- Focus on return-to-work strategies or restricted duty
- Minimize OSHA recordables where medically appropriate
- Keep employers in the loop throughout the process
This proactive care approach doesn’t just speed up recovery—it saves your business time, money, and regulatory headaches.
Partnering with OccMedMD = Fewer Injuries, Lower Costs
Whether you’re looking to reduce OSHA recordables, improve response time, or build a culture of safety, we’re here to help. Dr. John Webb and our experienced team understand the real-world challenges HR and safety leaders face.
We’re more than a clinic. We’re your partner in workforce health.
Quick Tips for HR & Safety Leaders:
- Review your last 12 months of injury data. Any trends?
- Schedule a safety walkthrough with your team.
- Build a relationship with your OccMed provider before the next injury happens.
- Create a laminated injury response cheat sheet for field supervisors and make sure it is readily available.
Ready to take a proactive approach to workplace safety? Let’s talk. Book a consultation with Dr. Webb and the team at OccMedMD to discover how we can help you protect your people and your profits.