Company sets goal of zero workplace injuries

Dan Deuterman

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Injury Board partner Michael A. Ferrara in New Jersey blogs about ITT's efforts to reduce on-the-job injuries.

Actually ITT is hoping to completely eradicate such injuries -- an admirable goal indeed, especially when you consider the financial and human cost of workplace deaths and injuries.

The number of workers dying on the job this year will reach almost 6,000. More than two million will be seriously injured. Another 50,000 or more will die from cancer, lung and heart ailments and other occupational diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances.

The financial toll will also be high: more than $3 billion in health care expenses and other costs to employers and workers, such as lost wages and production.

If more companies followed ITT's example, workers' compensation insurance premiums would drop.