Majority in small biz concerned about workplace safety: Survey

Two-thirds of small-business employees have concerns about safety at work, according to a survey released Wednesday by Pie Insurance.

The results revealed that 58% witnessed workplace injuries in the past year and 43% reported “feeling pressured to work through unsafe conditions,” according to a news release from Pie. The Denver-based workers compensation insurer commissioned the online survey on workplace safety and culture, which covered 1,021 full- and part-time employees at businesses of two to 500 workers.

The survey also found that 83% feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, but 17% hesitate to speak up. Of the hesitant workers, more than one-third worry about retaliation (35%), while others don’t want to seem difficult (33%) or doubt that action would be taken (31%).

Mental health is emerging as a top safety concern, with 32% citing it as their primary workplace safety worry, surpassing traditional concerns like physical injury (20%), environmental hazards (9%) or equipment safety (4%).

Thirty-six percent of those surveyed said workplace stress “affects their personal lives, leading to reduced motivation, increased anxiety and sleep difficulties,” Pie said in the news release.