How dose a Strong OH&S Program Boosts ROI & Cuts Hidden Costs?

Summary

Businesses often view the OH&S as an overhead, but we’re seeing a noticeable shift in how companies view OH&S as key driver of business growth. It’s done by measuring related ROI, which hiring our consulting services will help add to your bottom line.  

Anyone Can Calculate OH&S ROI-however We’re Here to Help

ROI is a return on investment. When taking OH&S into account, the return on investment (ROI) is typically done by comparing your operational and capital expenses with net benefits.  

You can calculate the ROI as such:  

ROI (%) = (Net Benefits / Cost of Investment) x 100

We’ll show an example from our experience, but let’s explain the formula first.  

  1. What is the Cost of Investment?
    Operational and capital expenses are your cost of investment, but are limited to:   
    • Training programs for employees and management
    • Safety equipment like PPE, ergonomic workstations, or ventilation improvements
    • Professional fees for OH&S consultants or software
    • Audit expenses to assess and maintain compliance standards
  2. What are the Net Benefits?
    This includes both tangible and intangible gains from OH&S improvements: 
    • Reduced costs in medical expenses and workers’ compensation claims
    • Avoided penalties due to regulatory compliance
    • Increased productivity from improved morale and fewer absences
    • Enhanced reputation that can lead to higher employee retention and easier recruitment

Here’s how it would look using one of our anonymous clients as an example. 

  1. Calculate capital investment.
    The clients tracked their capital and operating costs for OH&S for 2022 to be a total of $121,500. That included all the above-mentioned expenses, which included an approximate $12,000 for an external audit and $20,000 for our consulting fees to improve their OH&S Management System.  
  2. For net benefits they had calculated an (approximate) cost of $79,000. That breaks out as as:
    • Lowering their WCB premiums between 2022 and 2021, they saved $22,000 in WCB expenses. The calculation of the total costs for the year took into account an increase in their overall payroll, and as such, their overall costs were still lower. However, since they had better performance their WCB cost was lower.  
    • They saved $38,000 in productivity by avoiding OH&S hiring of new and temporary help because of illness or injury. This number was calculated looking at 2020 and 2021 expenses.  
    • Also, in comparison to 2021 expenses, they realized a saving in 2022, by not having work stoppages caused by incidents. That number was included in the previous bullet point.
    • They saved a total of $19,000 in time, from being more productive. In 2021, there was a cost incurred due to incidents that resulted in overtime pay to keep production going, but not seen in 2022.  

The numbers, when plugged into the formula looks like this:

ROI% = (79,000 (Net Benefits) /122,000 (OH&S Costs)) x 100

Their ROI calculation was 65%

It’s also worthwhile to say that their business saw a $52,000 profit boost (after costs to fulfill the work) when receiving enhanced bidder status. They secured a contract after meeting ISNetworld's qualifications, which a large corporation had previously denied their vendor status. However, after winning the RFP, they should be able to expect growth. At Calgary Safety Consults, we take pride in part of that growth.  

Research Indicates That the Return on Investment for Occupational Health and Safety Can be Substantial

Studies emphasize the important role of employee morale and engagement in a company's ROI. A report by Gallup reveal that organizations with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable and 17% more productive than those with disengaged staff. Engaged employees tend to show greater innovation, provide higher-quality work, and help retain customers, all of which contribute to a stronger financial performance.

Also, employee satisfaction plays a direct role in reducing turnover, which can be costly for companies. High morale lowers absenteeism and turnover rates, directly reducing associated costs. For example, replacing an employee can cost around 50-60% of their annual salary, while high engagement reduces these costs and increases overall efficiency. Executives widely acknowledge this connection, with 92% agreeing that higher engagement levels lead to happier, more loyal customers, further enhancing ROI.

In a June 28, 2024, a report by an Ontario-based organization, The Institute for Work and Health, published a study investment (ROI) for Ontario businesses. The researchers took the average health and safety expenditures from 17 sectors and compared them to the financial benefits obtained. The results of their research revealed a return that varied between 24% and 114%, depending on the industry. Each dollar spent could potentially yield an ROI exceeding 100%. Even when considering safety as an overhead, an ROI of 24% can be significant.  

Keep in mind that hiring a consultant is in part an operational cost, but it can help you become effective in the net benefits. Our goal is to save you money by helping your OH&S be morally solid while maintaining business focus.  

Assessing Your OH&S ROI is a Significant KPI to Understanding Your Safety Culture

Investing in OH&S is more than a compliance checkbox—it's a strategic move for sustainable growth. By partnering with OH&S experts, businesses can boost productivity, minimize hidden costs, and ultimately increase profitability. With clear ROI, an effective safety program doesn’t just protect employees: it strengthens the foundation for a thriving, resilient business.  

Ready to see the impact on your bottom line? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real financial results. 

FAQs for an Effective OH&S Program Enhance ROI and Reduce Hidden Costs:

It is the occupational health and safety return on investment when assessing your operational and capital related OH&S cost.

There is a formula, (ROI (%) = (Net Benefits / Cost of Investment) x 100). If you don’t track some of the net benefits you could consider hiring a consultant to help you with that study.

It’s an important KIP. This number can be used to show the health of your OH&S investment. A positive number can be an indication of a strong OH&S Management System. A positive number can also be a good indication of positive safety culture. A negative number could indicate active or latent failures that might need further investigation.

Secure Your Workplace Safety Today

You've made it this far, so let’s take the next step. Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!