Investing in safety in a recession: it shouldn't become a casualty!

A RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser, Roger Bibbings, once said: "Given the current financial climate, there is a danger that occupational health and safety could be seen as a problem largely solved - a 'nice-to-have' rather than a really essential social and economic ingredient. There could be a temptation to cut corners, reduce standards or delay introducing essential protective measures. As much as we would like to think that companies are now investing more in safety than never before; this may not be so true. It is vital that we don't turn a blind eye to safety due to our current economy. The current state of the economy has lead many companies to downsize and unfortunetly safety directors have been some of the first ones to be let go. If they're not let go, many safety directors have found themselves with smaller budgets than ever before.

Recently the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE) urged safety professionals to maintain safety standards in the workplace despite the economic downturn that’s causing many companies to reduce cost and downsize. ASSE president Christopher Patton also urged safety leaders to do their part. He said that safety directors must integrate safety into everyone's roles and responsibilities so that it is viewed as a value, not a task. It's important for them to sell the value of safety to their employer.

“It’s still very apparent that you still have to keep current because the global economy and the downsizing will turn around and in order to maintain your established standards, you do have to keep investing in the safety of your people in the workplace. Because they are the ones that are going to bring your community, your business, your workplace back into the world standards that help change the economies,” CSSE president Art Nordholm said.

Safety isn't something that we can afford to lose; it should be a priority even when times are tough. It worries us that many companies don't realize that safety can save them thousands of dollars in the future. A good safety program can save a company $4 to $6 for every $1 invested; this is because injuries and illnesses decline. Worker's compensation costs go down and medical costs decrease. OSHA violations can range anywhere from a warning to thousands of dollars in fines. Another plus: A good safety (training) program gives your employees the confidence they need to work without fear for their safety. Employee confidence provokes lower turnover and lower accident rates thus leading to better productivity and increased morale.

Sources:
Guzman, Mari-Len. "Safety managers urged to maintain standards in tough economy." Canadian Occupational Safety. 22 Sept. 2009. Web. 1 Oct. 2009.
"Industry urged to maintain safety investment despite recession." Neal's Note for December 2008. Professional Health and Safety Consultants Ltd. Web. 1 Oct. 2009.