For many businesses, safety management represents one of the best ways to get value out of improving their operations. That's great in the abstract, but how do you make sure you're maximizing every dollar you put into the process? Here are 5 things safety consultants often encourage their clients to look at.

Internal Data

One of the best sources of insight is any internal data your company has gathered. If you're not already tracking such data, safety consultants will strongly encourage you to start. Data sources include things like injury records, insurance payouts, and maintenance records. You also can compare datasets, such as looking at how worker experience might correspond with accidents.

From a safety management perspective, you may see patterns emerge from the data. Particular shifts might have more trouble than others, such as night shifts suffering due to poor lighting. Different zones in the building can also have similar problems.

Stakeholder Input

Employees and managers frequently have the most direct experience with safety problems. Safety consultants will often conduct company-wide surveys to learn what worries the folks most immediately affected by incidents.

Costs

While it's easy to think about safety on a per-incident basis, it's also worth considering specific costs. Are there specific pieces of machinery, for example, that seem to be part of many high-cost accidents?

It's also a good idea to think about low-cost mitigation and intervention options. These can be simple things like different gloves or helmets for certain tasks. Oftentimes, you'll save money and improve safety by doing little things better.

Training

Many incidents occur because workers aren't sure what the proper safety protocols are for their jobs. Training is usually the most useful safety management tool under these circumstances. However, you'll need to focus on the nature of the job and what the data is telling you. It's important to translate data-driven insights into ideas that appear in your training programs. As your outlook changes, it's also wise to consider fresh training for established employees.

Insurance

Your insurance providers often have insights that are hard for you to get at. They deal with issues industry-wide, and that can help them identify problems that you might have dodged through simple chance. Your insurer will want you to implement particular safety management protocols to save them money.

Likewise, many insurers are happy to offer incentives to companies that make adjustments. These often take the form of reduced premiums, lower deductibles, or refunds for long-term safety performance.

If you have further questions regarding safety consultants, contact a local company.

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