In any business, there are going to be risks. And more often than not, an owner or employer will take chances to save time and money to remain competitive. But some risks are just not worth the gamble. One such risk relates to the safety and health of employees. Exposing workers to hazards in the workplace is a high-stakes game of chance that can produce real losses in some form or another.

Employers invest money to protect the safety of their business, for example, the risk of fire, burglary, etc.; so why not invest at least equal or more time, money and devotion to workplace safety for employees?

Accidents cost money. For each dollar spent on the direct costs of a worker’s injury, an equal or greater amount is spent to cover the indirect costs. Examples of some indirect costs include lost productive time, time and cost to investigate the accident, legal costs and increased absenteeism.

Employers can reduce the costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses by implementing an effective safety program. When making safety a priority and actively promote safety to employees, employers can change the employee’s behaviour toward safety and reduce the number of workplace accidents.

Businesses spend $170 billion a year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses that come straight out of company profits. But workplaces that establish safety and health management systems can reduce their injury and illness costs by 20 to 40 per cent. In today’s business environment, these costs can be the difference between success and failure.

It cannot be stressed enough how important and valuable having an occupational health and safety (OH&S) program is. Not only is it a regulatory requirement, but it is also a must-have tool for any company. Developing a company safety program should be the first step in the process for protecting employees and demonstrating due diligence.

Implementing a quality safety program will not only be beneficial to the workforce, but also the bottom line paying dividends in financial gains through decreased claims costs and lowering compensation premiums.

What is an OH&S program?

A good-quality safety program is the company’s ‘bible’ and information source for all members of an organization to aid and provide them with the vital safety information they will need to stay safe at the workplace. It serves as an overall plan of action designed to prevent accidents and occupational diseases in the workplace. The program must include certain elements required by health and safety legislation as a minimum requirement for compliance. However, because organizations differ from industry to industry, a program developed for one organization cannot necessarily be expected to meet the needs of another.

From a legislative standpoint, each company requirement is based on certain factors such as size and/or the associated risk related to the scope of work. It is highly recommended to consult a safety professional for assistance in developing a safety program that meets specific needs and regulatory requirements.

More advantages

Certificate of Recognition (COR) is now the sought after designation for any business. In some industries, COR is becoming a requirement as a prequalification to bid on work contracts. Aside from this, achieving COR status can be rewarding for any company.

COR status demonstrates a successful safety management system and:

• Makes a strong statement about how much employers value their workers;

• How committed they are to ensuring workers and workplaces are safe;

• Raises the likelihood for success with respect to contract opportunities, and;

• Rewards annual incentive payments of up to 15 per cent to eligible employers who have earned a certificate of recognition.

Supportive advice for workplace safety

The success or failure in the development and implementation of any company safety program will depend on the company’s commitment to see it through.

To achieve maximum results in developing and implementing a quality and compliant safety program, it is highly recommended to invest in the assistance of a safety professional at the onset to ensure success in achieving the desired results as the process can be somewhat overwhelming for anyone trying to take on the task internally.

Joe Collins is owner of Collins Safety Services, specializing in safety consulting and safety services.