Montana has one of the highest workplace injury rates in the country--the state has the nation’s third highest rate of workplace injuries. The state’s high injury rates not only threaten the region’s workers, but also severely affect workers’ compensation insurance rates, which affect the bottom lines of most businesses.
The National Council of Compensation Insurers noted that the state could reduce workers’ compensation losses by $145 million per year if it could reduce injuries to the national average. Currently, however, Montana’s injury rates are 50% higher than the country’s average.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry is working to rectify this through education and training. The agency plans to hold a SafetyFestMT: Billings event from November 16 to 20, at the Billings Convention Center and Hotel. The event will offer workplace safety training and certifications to help employers and employees reduce injuries.
Pam Bucy, commissioner of labor for Montana, stated that workplace safety and workforce development go hand-in-hand. She underlined that “a safer work environment means more productive workers, fewer lost time accidents and reduced workers’ compensation rates.”
