Ten Lords a-Leaping… and the Safety Hazards Employers Keep Tripping Over

“On the tenth day of HR’s favorite season, my lawyers said to me… ten lords a-leaping (and a plan to maintain a safe workplace).”

While most employees aren’t literally leaping around the workplace, injuries happen more often—and in more mundane ways—than employers expect. Slips, strains, falls, repetitive-motion injuries, and equipment mishaps all remain among the most common sources of workers’ compensation claims. And for employers, every incident triggers a set of compliance obligations.

Today’s “tenth day” reminder is to keep your workplace safety practices strong, your reporting obligations tight, and your injury-prevention strategies proactive.

Ten Reminders About Workplace Injuries:

1. Leap into hazard prevention

Regular inspections, equipment checks, and documented safety walkthroughs are your first line of defense.

2. Train, retrain, repeat

Annual, onboarding, and task-specific safety training reduce both accidents and claims.

3. Keep your OSHA logs merry and bright

Remember:

• Record qualifying injuries on the OSHA 300 Log
• Report serious injuries (fatalities within 8 hours; hospitalizations, amputations, eye loss within 24 hours)

4. Encourage reporting without fear

Employees must feel safe raising concerns or reporting injuries. Retaliation risk is real—and costly.

5. Investigate with care

Document what happened, gather statements, and preserve equipment. A calm, thorough process protects everyone.

6. Mind your workers’ compensation duties

Notify your carrier promptly, provide forms, and communicate transparently with the injured worker.

7. Check your holiday décor hazards

Cords, ladders, tinsel, and last-minute office decorating sprees are prime “lords a-leaping” conditions.

8. Consider remote workers, too

Injuries at home can be work-related. Provide ergonomic guidance and clear reporting instructions.

9. Avoid incentives that backfire

Programs that reward “zero injuries” can unintentionally discourage reporting.

10. Use each incident to improve

Every near-miss or minor injury offers an opportunity to strengthen policies, training, or equipment.

The Takeaway

“Twelve Days” humor aside, a well-run safety program protects employees and employers alike. Staying ahead of hazards, responding promptly, and keeping solid records can prevent those leaping lords from landing you in compliance trouble.

If you’d like help updating your safety policies, reviewing OSHA requirements, or assessing your injury response procedures, legal counsel can help make sure your workplace is ready for anything—leaps included. Reach out to Hannah or other members of Verrill’s Labor and Employment practice group.

Continue reading our series with Day 11 here.