Everything comes with a price tag. It sure does! From keeping yourself healthy to maintaining a normal lifestyle, one needs to weigh down their pockets to manage a living. Gone are those days when the best things in the world were free. So how have these price tags affected organizational safety? Do organizations need to spend a bomb to keep their workplaces safe and compliant? Is organizational safety really taking a toll on the treasury?

Let’s dig deeper to find out the truth and answer these questions.

Myths About Safety Management

Before beginning the investment journey on safety, let us break some safety management myths. 

Myth #1. Safety Management is Complex

Is it difficult to click a photo of a dimly lit area and raise a concern on the safety management app? 

Is it tedious to attend a half-an-hour training session wherein you are trained to keep yourself safe?

Is it an arduous task to wear a PPE kit for one’s own safety?

So no matter how many synonyms of the word difficult we use, the answer to these questions is a simple No.

Safety management is not complex. It is as simple as it sounds. The real challenge is to make the employees aware of how vital safety behavior is, especially for their everyday & work-a-day lives. All it takes are many, incredible, safety leaders and quite surprisingly – not a lot of bucks!

Myth #2. Less Reporting Means a safer work environment

The problem with less reporting is that the workplace is deemed safe if the records show fewer incidents. This myth not only destroys the organization’s reputation but also puts the employees in grave danger.

Employees must be encouraged to report incidents, near-misses, and any disruptions in safety whenever they notice them. In fact, rewarding or giving recognition for reporting their observations encourages them and their peers to report their observations more often. The authorities need to play an exemplary role in ensuring that employees do not go by the numbers but positively report safety issues.

Reporting safety issues requires papers, a digital system, or a reporting device. And we are sure that even an SMB can acquire these at reasonable costs. A scalable and flexible EHS management system tailor-made for the organization’s needs is compatible with all devices and available at budgeted costs in the market.

Myth #3: Safety Processes Need to be Followed Step-by-Step

Now, this is a debatable topic. But if you have experienced safety leaders to guide you, they will tell you that safety is a personalized issue. No matter whether there are government organizations that have defined standardized safety rules but the ultimate goal is to make a workplace safe. Therefore no matter how you do it, the crucial thing is achieving the safety goal.

The papers may define complex processes, but if employees can find an easier way to keep themselves safe, why not? But again, the easy ways should maintain safety at all costs and at any level. 

For example, a safety officer must carry many forms and papers if they need to check sites at a remote location. Also, if any query arises, the cost and time to complete the given task will increase. Therefore a digital system can be implemented in this place. It means reducing the paperwork but following standard processes while making them manageable.

Again reducing workplace complexities may require investment but will surely not empty your organization’s treasury.

Myth #4: Investments like Insurances Add to the Cost

If you are still considering this as a fact, then you really need to open your eyes. According to the National Safety Council, per worker injury cost was estimated at around $1,100 in 2020. Now imagine what a great savings scheme worker’s insurance is.

Safety investments save you from burning a hole in your pocket when actual accidents occur. Insurances, medical kits, training sessions, and EHS digital systems may seem like a significant investment, but they are saviors. Basically, they are like the umbrella you buy before the rain!

If you calculate the investments for insurance, be it for equipment, workers, or overall safety needs, they cost much lower than the losses that are caused due to repairs and injuries.

So, Is Safety Expensive?

If you clear the mist of the above myths, you will see that safety is not expensive. All you need is to declutter the complexities and manage safety efficiently. You could also involve safety consultants to define and devise your best plan. 

It is crucial to understand that the absence of safety can create significant expenses which can adversely affect the business. Therefore safety expenses should be considered a business asset and competitive advantage. An organization that invests in safety is looked upon as having a positive culture by its employees. Additionally, it has a significant impact on boosting employee morale.

So, managing safety needs does not need to be an expensive affair. Safety holds a quantifiable value for the business and promises profits and productivity. 

Investment in safety ensures;

• No or minimum fines
• Boosts employee morale
• No surprise expenses related to repairs or injuries
• Future-ready for illnesses and injuries expenses

The Conclusion

If safety is appropriately managed, it proves to be a great asset to the company. The expenses associated with worker safety, accidents, damaged equipment, licenses, complaints, audits, and more include indirect costs, which are not seen until the moment arrives. Therefore investment in keeping the organization safe and making it ready financially for extreme situations is relatively inexpensive economically and, not to mention – emotionally.

If you still find safety expenses overwhelming, help is always available. Talk to EHS consultants to manage your safety needs. Scalable and flexible options are available in the market to suit every business size. You can plan the safety expenses accordingly and know the actual cost, savings, and ROI.