How the economy affects worker safety
January 9, 2009 by Fred HosierPosted in: PPE (protective equipment), Special Report, Workers' comp, cost of safety
The President of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) says he’s concerned about recent reports that some companies are cutting safety processes in hopes of reducing costs.
Warren Brown says workplace safety processes are even more critical during business downturns.
“The ongoing positive results are in and have been for companies that have a strong safety culture,” Brown said. “Not only does their bottom line benefit positively, but their company reputation stays intact, employees stay safe and healthy, reducing health care, workers’ comp, training and turnover costs.”
Another reason it’s important for companies to maintain safety programs during tough economic times: It helps boost employee morale because they know the company is looking out for their safety.
Employees can help companies save money by following safe working procedures to prevent injuries, related downtime and expenses such as workers’ comp and costly fines. Another way they can help: by properly using, cleaning and caring for protective equipment. Proper care can extend the life of safety equipment, deferring replacement costs.
Streamlining safety training can also help save money. Some companies are turning to online or electronic safety training rather than relying on face-to-face classroom sessions.
A recent investment firm study in Australia showed positive links between workplace safety and health and investment performance.
You can read more about ASSE’s take on workplace safety during the recession here.
Has the economy had an effect on your company’s safety program? Let us know about it in the Comments Box below.
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January 13th, 2009 at 8:39 am
During this time I have seen a lot of old worker’s comp cases reopen on employees who have been laid off due to the economy downturn. I understand the need for survival, but the costs to the company will only delay the turn-around that could bring them back. There will need to be additional vigilance by the HR and Safety managers to send up the “red flag” on some of these old cases where the worker was healthy while employeed, but when laid off they find a lawyer and doctor that classify them as unemployable due to work related injuries.
January 15th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
The recent economic recession has not had a negative effect my organization’s safety programs. In fact, many of the company’s safety programs as well as safety staff have been increased. The recent economic downturn has forced many employers to become more efficient with using the current level of programs and staff already in place in order to become profitable or even maintain current profit levels. Many safety programs contain the added benefit of not only providing a safety and health work environment, but also a much more efficient and productive workplace.