Strategic accident reduction in an energy company and its resulting financial benefits

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2019 Mar;25(1):153-160. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1462990. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Abstract

This study provides a case example of an energy company that prioritized occupational safety and health and accident reduction as long-term, strategic development targets. Furthermore, this study describes the monetary benefits of this strategic decision. Company-specific accident indicators and monetary costs and benefits are evaluated. During the observation period (2010-2016), strategic investments in occupational safety and health cost the company EUR 0.8 million. However, EUR 1.8 million were saved in the same period, resulting in a 2.20 cost-benefit ratio. The trend in cost savings is strongly positive. Annual accident costs were EUR 0.4 million lower in 2016 compared to costs in 2010. This study demonstrates that long-term, strategic commitment to occupational safety and health provides monetary value.

Keywords: economic benefits; lost-time accident; non-work accident; occupational accident; occupational safety and health.

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism
  • Accidents, Occupational / economics*
  • Accidents, Occupational / prevention & control*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Health / economics*
  • Retrospective Studies