This Won’t Hurt a Bit (Safety)
Every year, work injuries cost industry $170 billion. In the public sector, it’s $159 billion. A safety-first attitude is not only ethical and humane, it improves an organization’s functionality, morale and performance. Don’t let one crisis create another.
Definition of worker safety: “Keeping everyone being and feeling safe both physically and psychologically.”
Practice Summary
Firm-wide attitude
- Zero tolerance for injury – safety is a pre-condition for the work, not a priority
- Everyone is responsible
- Safety requests are not subject to budget review – potential threats are fixed immediately
Four-point plan framework
- Management commitment and employee involvement
- Worksite analysis
- Hazard prevention and control
- Training for employees, supervisors, and managers
Injury related costs
- Wage risk premium (higher wages paid for riskier jobs)
- Wage and productivity losses
- Medical expenses
- Administrative expenses
- Employers’ uninsured costs
3 Good Questions
- How do you return to feeling safe after a problem?
- What role does compensation play in safety?
- How does safety differ among types of staff?
We know it’s hard to do, but now’s the time to ask, “What else could go wrong?”
