For those working at our local resorts – two words: be careful! According to a report in the latest National Ski Areas Association Capitol Watch, skiing facilities have the third highest incidence rate of non-fatal occupational injuries among all industries in the U.S.
The data recently reported on by Ski Area Magazine and released by OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration - show the rate of 10.1 injuries per 100 employees in 2017. That’s nearly double the number of 2014, when ski areas ranked 13th, with an injury rate of 5.6 injuries per 100 employees. All employers must submit workplace injury and illness data to OSHA annually.
Working at a ski area comes with inherent risks given the rugged, outdoor environment that many employees work in every day. And ski areas make significant efforts to keep their employees safe. That said, according to the report, the trend of rising injury rates means OSHA will likely increase its scrutiny of ski areas, through increased inspections, unannounced audits, and higher fines and penalties. OSHA data may also factor into higher workers compensation premiums.