Occupational safety and quality in the company are closely linked. A study by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) proves the positive correlation between occupational safety and the company's success: every euro invested in prevention generates a return of 2.20 euros in business terms.
Every employer is responsible for the health and well-being of their employees at work and must ensure their safety through well-organized occupational health and safety. The occupational safety specialist (SiFa) and the company doctor (BA) provide expert advice.
In this article, we explain the positive contribution that occupational safety makes to a company's success.
The most important facts in brief
✓ Occupational safety is not just a legal obligation, as it also has significant economic and social benefits for companies.
✓ Companies that are committed to occupational safety enjoy a better public image and gain the trust of customers, business partners and the public.
✓ The continuous improvement of occupational health and safety is crucial in order to meet new challenges in the world of work.
1. minimization of costs due to occupational accidents
Every accident at work that could be minimized through comprehensive occupational health and safety entails economic disadvantages for the company. Expenditure on occupational safety is therefore offset by the much higher and avoidable costs of accidents, illnesses, staff shortages and delays or disruptions in the production process.
According to studies by the DGUV, reportable accidents at work lead to an average of 15 days' absence. Further occupational accident costs arise from continued payment of wages, replacement staff or new hires, medical care and the transportation of injured persons. Costs are also incurred for internal accident processing, accident reporting and investigation.
A high accident rate in the company may also lead to higher accident insurance contributions. You can find more information in our article "What happens if health and safety measures are breached?".
The financial impact of accidents at work should never be underestimated.
Companies can prevent accidents at work and minimize the resulting damage through well-organized occupational safety.
2. increasing the motivation and satisfaction of employees
Accidents at work not only lead to material damage, but can also have serious consequences for employees. For example, employees who are victims of an accident or an act of violence can suffer psychological impairment, anxiety and a loss of quality of life for a long time to come.
For ethical reasons, employers are therefore also responsible for designing their employees' working environment in such a way that it benefits their health and does not harm it.
Employees whose health and safety at work is protected and respected feel more comfortable in their workplace and, according to studies, are more motivated and willing to perform. Their satisfaction strengthens employee loyalty and creates trust between employer and employee. This leads to an improved corporate culture in which employees feel valued and supported. You can find out more about employee motivation in this article.
In addition, ensuring occupational health and safety increases the company's attractiveness on the labor market. Potential new employees are more willing to join a company that has a clear focus on safety and well-being. This can make it easier to recruit highly qualified staff and reduce staff turnover at the same time.
3. improving the company's image through occupational safety
Occupational health and safety has a positive impact on a company's public image, especially when it goes beyond the legal requirements. The company is responsible for ensuring that employees return to their friends and family healthy and unharmed at the end of the working day.
According to this, companies that are publicly committed to the safety and well-being of their employees are generally perceived more positively and can gain the trust of customers, business partners and the public.
Such a good image can lead to a competitive advantage in the long term and strengthen the loyalty of existing customers. A safe workplace is a sign of social responsibility and underlines your company's commitment to the good of the community.
However, inadequate occupational health and safety not only puts the health and safety of employees at risk, but also their good reputation in the public eye. Media reports about inadequate occupational safety can lead to scandals and communication crises, which can result in a poor image, legal consequences and long-term loss of revenue for the company.
You can prevent such communication crises and improve your company's image in the long term with comprehensive occupational health and safety measures. Protecting employees from hazards therefore also protects your own reputation.
Accidents at work and quality defects are often caused by human error. By attaching great importance to occupational safety and quality in your company, you can positively influence the behavior of your employees and thus prevent accidents at work.
At work, employees are primarily guided by the behaviors that are practiced by the majority and desired and demanded by managers. Through comprehensive occupational health and safety measures, you can create an awareness of safe, responsible behavior among your employees in your company.
Conclusion
The article clearly shows that occupational safety and corporate success are closely linked. Investing in occupational health and safety pays off economically, increases employee satisfaction and motivation and improves the company's image. Occupational health and safety should therefore not be seen as a cost factor, but as a profitable investment.
Continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges are crucial for the future of occupational health and safety. Technological innovations and the increasing importance of mental health will play an important role in this. Overall, occupational health and safety will remain a central component of a successful corporate strategy and will continue to evolve in order to meet the demands of the modern working world.
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