How staying on top of workplace safety can save your company money
The idea that business owners must spend money to make money is widely accepted. This phrase is used to discuss commercial expenses that appear obvious, such as marketing, administrative expenditures, material costs, and prime real estate. However, safety is a subject that is rarely part of this conversation.
boss and worker checking results on the tablet
Many business leaders and decision-makers are happy to admit that safety is expensive. However, framing the conversation solely in terms of costs and ignoring the advantages of those extra safety features misrepresents how that money is being used.
For some organisations, the costs associated with workplace safety elements seem high. The fact that safety does have a financial cost makes this judgement accurate up to a point. To ultimately function, establishing a culture of safety inside a workplace necessitates spending money on training, consultations, evaluations, and seminars with qualified safety professionals.
Businesses should realise that a safety investment yields savings far outweighing the initial costs. A company with a strong safety culture also has more productive staff and consistently improves its health and safety practices.
Although the cost of an injury is high, the cost of a life is more. It is not a stretch to claim that fostering a culture of safety at work will save lives. In terms of finances and employee morale, the cost of an employee injury on the job is immeasurable. However, by investing in safety leadership development, assessments, and education, a company can prevent safety incidents and raise employee morale.
Construction worker falling off a ladder inside a building
When an organisation establishes a reputation for being a safe place to work in a field with higher workplace safety risks, they are better able to retain their current employees and attract more qualified job candidates. In addition to improving employee performance and saving the business money on rehiring, retraining, and onboarding expenses, this strengthens the workforce of the organisation.
An effective team would be more beneficial to any company than fighting the costs of accidents and HSE violations.
For businesses, setting aside money for safety is a wise financial decision. The upfront expenditures pale compared to the costs associated with accidents, lost workdays, penalties, fines, and lost personnel. But safety is also an investment that pays off through more productive working conditions, accurate output, and happier personnel. Making the best decisions for the firm is a necessary part of doing business, and doing it safely.