The safety of employees should always be a top priority in any workplace setting. Not only does it prevent injuries and potential legal issues, but it also increases productivity and morale. In fact, a study that reviewed 8000 construction workers in Washington State found a 42% reduction in workers’ compensation claims in younger workers and an overall 12% reduction in claims compared to untrained workers, according to the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (Dong et al., 2004).

5 Ways Employers Benefit from Workplace Safety Training

Investing in workplace safety training is essential in reducing risk and plays a significant role in increasing efficiency. Fewer accidents equate to more production. Often employers are overwhelmed with training large numbers of employees, each with different workplace exposure, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has significant training requirements for those exposures, including confined space, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout, forklift, fire extinguisher, emergencies, hearing conservation, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, etc. These training requirements are often overlooked by many employers or are incorrectly applied based on the hazards present in work environments. While the investment in training has numerous benefits, we’ve highlighted five areas many employers benefit from.

1. Identifies Potential Hazards

Management and employees must be able to identify potential hazards that may lead to accidents in the workplace. For example, when handling machinery or tools, employees must know how to operate them safely and identify when they’re not functioning correctly. Proper training helps employees recognize potential hazards, assess the risks, and take necessary action to avoid injuries. This will result in a safer working environment and increased productivity.

Training is only a single layer of an overall accident prevention program but sets the foundation for not only recognizing hazards but improving the workplace by teaching employees how to recognize risk and compliance issues. Effective training encourages employees and management to step forward with safety and compliance issues, not just identify hazards.

2. Provides a Clear Understanding of Workplace Safety Regulations

Complying with OSHA regulations is a legal obligation for employers. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and penalties. As of 2023, OSHA fines can range from $15,625 for each Serious Violation and $156,259 for each Willful or Repeated Violation. When employees are adequately trained in safety regulations, they are more likely to follow them.

Management education is also critical to support workplace safety initiatives and requirements so they know what is expected in their area of responsibility (AOR). For example, a manager cannot effectively enforce or advocate lockout/tagout requirements or scissor lift safety if they haven’t been educated in these areas. Training helps reduce non-compliance issues in the workplace and reduces the risk of injuries, saving the organization money. Training employees and management in safety standards, regulations, and policies is essential to ensure they adhere to them.

Training is not a standalone compliance solution. Many areas of OSHA regulations require employers to create written programs (along with training) that allow organizations to have a clear framework for how each organization will manage safety, risk, and expectations. Without these programs, management may be unaware of requirements in their workplace, including training. Programs and training help educate both management and workers to make better decisions regarding the workplace.

3. Develops a Safety Culture

It’s critical to cultivate a safety culture in your organization by making safety a top priority from the top down. An organization’s executive team, along with front-line management, must support safety and training as an organizational value. Regular safety training sessions can help establish a safety culture and instill safety as a core value, especially when championed by management.

Numerous studies have shown that training retention deteriorates quickly over time and that refresher training is key to keeping information accurate and accessible. Regularly scheduled safety training keeps safety at the top of the minds of management and employees. Safety training will encourage communication, openness, and proactive safety behavior among employees, creating a safer work environment. Organizations flourish when both management and employees actively care about safety and work together.

4. Increases Workplace Efficiency

Accidents at work result in a loss of productivity. When an employee is injured, they may be unable to work for weeks or even months. This can have a dramatic effect on the employee, given the magnitude of the workplace injury. This can also impact productivity, and as a result, the company’s production may suffer.

Common scenarios in industrial environments involve employees unable to come to work or are placed on restricted duty and only able to lift or move minimal weights for long durations of time. Workers frequently involved with injury are typically producing something that involves physical movement, and when movement is restricted, production is reduced or eliminated.

Management can factor in the hourly impact of employees if they are not producing for the company when evaluating investments in safety. For example, if an average employee in an industrial operation generates $75.00 per hour of profit for the organization and is placed on restricted duty for eight weeks, that could equate to $24,000 in lost production, not including the cost of medical treatment, and future impact on insurance premiums. Workplace claims are enormously expensive when calculating direct and indirect costs of workplace injuries. Various studies have shown that for every $1 invested in workplace safety, a return between $2-$6 will occur. Safety training helps eliminate the risks of accidents.

5. Shows Employees They Are Valued

Providing safety training to your employees shows that you care for their well-being, are an ethical organization, and appreciate them as people. When employees feel valued, they tend to take their job more seriously and are more likely to show up to work. Investing in employee safety is an investment in your best resources, your employees.

Conclusion

Safety training is a crucial investment and must be taken seriously in any organization. It not only reduces the risk of accidents and potential legal troubles but also boosts productivity and employee morale. It is essential to create a safety culture in your organization by cultivating safety as a core value from the top down. When employees understand how to identify potential hazards, adhere to safety regulations, and take ownership of their safety, it ensures a safer work environment, increased efficiency, and a more productive workforce. For firms who need assistance with training, program development, and compliance, professional safety and health management firms can save considerable time and resources. Investing in employee safety pays off in the long run, both in terms of saving money and increasing employee trust and loyalty.

Learn how Summit can help you with workplace safety training by contacting us today.

References:

Dong X, Entzel P, Men Y, Chowdhury R, Schneider S. Effects of safety and health training on work-related injury among construction laborers. J Occup Environ Med. 2004 Dec;46(12):1222-8. PMID: 15591974.