Deepwater Horizon was a movie that shined a Hollywood-sized spotlight on the tragic 2010 explosion that killed 11 workers and injured 17 workers. Released in September of 2016, the film documented the events leading up to the catastrophe that cost BP more than $60 million.
What the film does not depict is the workplace accidents equally ready for their close-up. Injuries suffered by workers in all industries occur at an alarming rate, almost reaching epidemic levels.
Looking For Solutions Instead Of Looking The Other Way
Federal laws are in place that makes employers responsible for the safety of their workers. Yet, accidents kill 4,500 workers and injure three million employees per year.
Rules and regulations will only go so far. Protections in place for the most hazardous jobs must be protected with sound-decision making from employers. Danger should never be part of any employee’s job description. No worker should take risks to perform a task they consider too hazardous. Refusing to face deadly hazards should not be cause for dismissal.
Employers must take it upon themselves to employ proactive steps to ensure the well-being of their staff members. That starts with committing to commonsense strategies that prevent injuries and death. Employer-employee collaboration is an important first step in minimizing predictable and preventable accidents.
A Change In Culture To Ensure Employee Safety
Overall, the mindset of employers must continue to evolve. Safety measures should be considered an investment in the future, not an expense that affects the current bottom line. Cutting corners or looking the other way will only continue the deadly dangers workers in all industries face.
A heavily promoted film can put the most serious of issues into focus. Workplace accidents that injure employees are high-stakes problems that require ongoing attention and care beyond the release of a Hollywood blockbuster.