You’ve heard about the gender wage gap, but what about the gender injury gap? That’s right—men and women experience different types of work injuries. Of course, both men and women get hurt on the job. But there are often significant differences between their work-related injuries and illnesses. Understanding the variances can help you better protect your team and your business.
Workplace Injuries Statistics—What Does the Data Say?
You might assume that men are more likely to get injured at work than women. But exactly how much more? Statistics vary widely, depending on the source and what they’re measuring.
For example, in 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that men were three times more likely to be injured on the job than women. However, researchers at the University of Washington found that work-related injuries and illness risk factors were similar for both sexes. Except in positions where employees exerted physical force, males and females are almost equally at risk.
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Contact McClure Ergonomics Consulting today to get started on a workplace safety checklist!
3 Ways Work Injuries Differ in Men and Women
According to the BLS, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has helped reduce the number of annual workplace fatalities from 28,000 in 1970 to 6,600 in 2015. But despite the law’s success, an analysis OSHA data analysis found that men and women still experience work injuries differently. Here are three significant differences.
1. Men Are More Likely to Die from Workplace Injuries
In 2015, 488 male workers were killed on the job in the U.S., compared with 73 female workers — a rate close to five times higher for men than for women. Men are more likely to sustain fatal injuries because of falls and slips, whereas machinery is the leading cause of workplace death for women.
2. Women Are More Likely to Become Victims of Workplace Violence
Women are much more likely to become victims of workplace violence than men. For example, the rate of nonfatal workplace violence injuries among women is 31.2 per 10,000 full-time workers, compared with 14.7 for men. So, this is essential for employers to recognize as they develop workplace violence prevention programs.
3. Men and Women Are Each More Likely to Report Different Types of Injuries
It is also interesting to note that men and women are more likely to report different injuries. For example, men are more likely to report muscle injuries, while women are more likely to report mental or emotional stress from work. One possible explanation is that women may be more willing to report psychological issues than men are.
According to a recent study by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), men are more likely to report skin conditions and burns, which make up roughly 25 percent of all injuries reported by men but only 11 percent of injuries reported by women. On the other hand, women are more likely to report sprains, strains, and fractures.
How to Protect Your Team from Costly Work Injuries
If you’re ready to protect your business and put a workplace injury prevention plan in place, McClure Ergonomics can help. Together, we’ll find ways to keep your employees safe and reduce the risk of costly injury lawsuits or worker’s compensation claims.