Why Is Workplace Safety Important? A Closer Look

Workplace safety is a big topic of discussion in the business world.

As part of the business world, you’ll know that millions of employees have now returned to their usual work locations, from offices to department stores.

This influx of returning employees has put tremendous pressure on business owners and managers to make sure the workplace is as safe as possible. No doubt, this is something that you can relate to.

So, now that 2023 is underway and the new age of work has begun, you need to make workplace safety your number one priority moving forward.

To learn more about this (and perhaps become more convinced of its importance), here’s a closer look at why workplace safety is more important than ever before.

1. Accident Reduction

Workplace accidents are a nightmare for all parties involved. This includes the employer, the employee, insurance companies, and everyone else.

If an employee suffers an accident at your workplace, it’s advised that you start an accident investigation in the workplace. When this is done by a professional authority, it can help to ensure that all of the facts are established via an on-site investigation, interviews with the employees, and more. It’s a handy way to lift a weight from your shoulders and leave all of the complicated investigation aspects to the professionals.

2. Stay on the Right Side of the Law

As an employer, by law, you must protect your employees (e.g., from fire safety hazards). Failure to do this means you’ve broken the law and will likely suffer financial costs as a consequence. Not only that, but if your business was to encounter a huge accident, it could potentially harm your reputation in the industry, leading to even more problems down the line. Of course, this is something that you won’t want to happen, which is why workplace safety (and staying on the right side of the law) is so important.

3. Less Employee Absenteeism

If you’re employees deem the workplace to be unsafe and unkempt, then it can lead to them being absent from work. Naturally, this isn’t ideal for any party – especially the business owner.

Additionally, when employees suffer accidents as a direct result of an unsafe work environment, they could be signed off for weeks and even months depending on the extent of their injuries. For example, if a man in a builder’s yard experiences two broken legs, he’ll be looking at around 2 to 6 months off of work.

4. Boost Employee Productivity

A safe workplace is usually a happy and productive one. Employees can go about their jobs with peace of mind knowing that their well-being is in good hands. However, if a workplace is extremely dangerous, then it’s going to hamper the ability of the employees to work properly, especially in cases where equipment is faulty or the surroundings are filled with safety hazards.

5. Decreased Employee Stress

According to research, 83% of US workers experience work-related stress. One of the best ways you can reduce employee stress is by providing them with a safe work environment as well as workplace safety training. This shows that their safety is valued, which is great for boosting morale and company culture.

6. Save Money

Money is tight for thousands of businesses in the post-pandemic world. Many businesses are still recovering financially from the chaos of 2020 and 2021, which is why saving money is an important objective. Fortunately, if you keep your workplace safe and everyone injury-free, you won’t have to worry about any future financial damages that come from pay-outs and lawsuits.

In the past, countless companies have had to fork out thousands – sometimes millions – of dollars to injured employees. However, there are some cases where employees get injured but the company refuses to pay them. For example, Amazon refused to give an employee compensation for a knee injury, which led to controversy in the mainstream media.

7. Competitive Edge in the Job Market

The final reason why workplace safety is important is simple: it gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

When potential employees are comparing companies, they will often look at a company’s track record when it comes to employee well-being and safety.

For instance, if you were a roofing company with a history of employee injuries, then this would likely deter candidates from applying for vacant roles.

On the other hand, if a company’s track record is excellent (with no public lawsuits or reputational damage), then it gives candidates peace of mind and makes them more attracted to your company in today’s competitive job market.

Final Thoughts

Make no doubt about it: workplace safety is beyond important. When the safety of your employees (and those around you) is at the core of your company’s operations, then it makes life better for you and the employees.