With the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers became responsible for providing an environment where employees could work more safely, as well as lowering the instances of workplace injuries. Along with enforcing set standards, OSHA also works to train and educate both employers and employees for a better understanding of how important it is to provide a safe workplace, as well as the importance of workers to be safety conscience as well.

While large companies may have a safety division with well-trained safety engineers, many small businesses have to look for outside help to guide them on steps to take which would provide a safer workplace. Consulting firms will send in highly qualified inspectors to help the business become aware of safety hazards, as well as help in setting up safety-training programs. With health care costs steadily rising, it is definitely in the best interest of any business to take necessary steps to help prevent accidents at work. Those same rising costs also make it extremely important for employees to be diligent in following safety procedures.

Regular safety meetings as well as testing employees on safety procedures and concerns will help insure that employees keep safety at the front of their minds as they go about their work. Should an employee suffer an injury, an accident report form must be completed so that a compensation claim may be filed. It is important for the employee to seek medical attention and to follow any recommendations given to him by his doctor so that he does not hamper his recovery. It is also important for the employer to work with the employee and his medical providers to insure that the employee will be able to return to work as quickly as possible. Although a compensation claim will be filed, and the employee�s injury will be covered by workers� compensation, the loss of income caused by a workplace injury can often be a financial hardship for the employee and their family. Employers must take the lead and assure that they are providing a safe workplace, that their business is falling OSHA regulations, and that their employees are well trained in the safety measures and procedures required in their field. With both employers and employees being active participants when it comes to safety, the benefit of lowering the instances of workplace injuries will be realized.
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Only when both employers and employees are active participants in the field of safety awareness the possibility of lowering the chances of an accident at work causing serious personal injury will be realised.