Every company has a moral and legal obligation to keep its workers safe. Many companies have an ongoing forklift safety program, but some don’t prioritize safety. Especially when money is tight. Most of the time, these companies don’t realize that spending money on safety now could save them from headaches in the long run, or they don’t understand the actual costs of a safety-related incident.   

Ignoring a safety program isn’t worth the risk.

There are severe risks to forgoing a safety training program. It doesn’t take a major accident to cost money and cause significant issues for the entire company. Here is a list of potential problems you could face, even with a minor safety-related incident. 

  • A key employee is out due to injury 
  • The cost of paying and training someone new to cover the injured employee’s position 
  • Damage to the equipment 
  • Lost production time 
  • Cost to employee morale 
  • Cost to your business reputation 
  • OSHA fines 
  • Investigation costs 
  • Legal fees 
  • Higher insurance rates 

Find out the actual costs of a workplace injury

If that list wasn’t enough to convince you of the importance of a safety program, spend a little time on OSHA’s $afety Pays tool. It will tell you exactly how much a workplace injury could cost your business. The calculator breaks down the costs of 40 types of injuries and illnesses and shows the direct and indirect costs. And to drive home the importance of safety to your bottom line, the tool calculates the additional sales revenue you would need to generate to cover these costs. Check it out. It’s an eye-opener.   

There are resources to help you.   

We hope you see a safety program’s value and commit to putting safety above anything else. Here are several free resources and tips to help you stay on track:   

  • Check OSHA’s website for free publications and information. Know OSHA’s regulations and requirements, and make sure you certify your forklift drivers.  
  • Develop a “safety-first” program to encourage employees to report hazards.  
  • Join an online safety group specific to your industry where you can ask questions, get help, and learn from others. 
  • Sign up for Toyota Material Handling Solutions’ forklift training classes in Santa Fe Springs or at your location.

Don’t gamble with your future. Spend time and money on safety programs and forklift training now. Not only to protect your employees but to protect your bottom line.  

Toyota Material Handling Solutions proudly supports OSHA’s Safe & Sound Week

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