Accidents and injuries can have devastating consequences for both employees and businesses. Investing in comprehensive health and safety awareness training is not just a legal requirement but a strategic decision that can safeguard your workforce, boost morale, and protect your bottom line. Let’s explore why this training is crucial.
Feel free to jump ahead to another section by clicking on the links below:
Is your workplace in need of Health And Safety Awareness Training? At ACUTE we offer health and safety training, on-site safety services and consulting services. With over 200 years of combined experience, our staff is fully equipped to provide you with comprehensive training. Contact us today to learn more!
The Consequences Of Not Providing Health And Safety Awareness Training
1. You Are Putting Your Employees’ Safety At Risk
If you neglect to have your employees or supervisors complete the mandatory employee health and safety awareness training you are putting your employees at greater risk of injury. Informed employees greatly increase the chances of identifying workplace safety hazards and, in turn, reduce workplace injuries. Having your employees complete the training is just the smart thing to do.
Without proper training, you are putting your employees at risk.
2. Higher Costs From Lost Time Due To Injuries
Without the proper awareness training for your employees, you will have a higher number of injuries and lost time due to injuries. The average cost of work-related injuries is $38,000 (^) in direct costs and 1.1 times the direct cost in indirect costs (^), or $41,800, for a total of $79,800.
Workplace injuries are not just a human tragedy, they’re also a significant financial burden. Beyond the immediate medical costs, lost time injuries lead to a domino effect of expenses:
- Lost Productivity: Every injured worker represents lost output, impacting project timelines and overall efficiency.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: A high incident rate can lead to increased workers’ compensation premiums, directly impacting the bottom line.
- Recruitment and Training Costs: Replacing injured workers requires time and resources for recruitment and training, adding to expenses.
- Overtime Costs: Existing employees may need to work overtime to compensate for the absent worker, increasing labour costs.
- Damage to Equipment: Accidents can result in damage to tools, machinery, or property, leading to additional repair or replacement costs.
Without proper training employees could be injured, resulting in lost time.
3. You Will Lose Respect As An Employer From Your Employees
If you do not complete the necessary training required by Ontario law for workplace health and safety, your employees will lose respect for you. What employees would want to work for a company that does not care about their safety enough to train them on how to identify workplace safety hazards? One of the quickest ways to lose respect from employees and decrease engagement is to give them the sense that you do not care for them. Conversely, when employees feel valued and cared for studies have shown they become significantly more engaged and productive.
Workers injured on the job could bring a lawsuit against you.
4. Employee Lawsuits
If employees injure themselves at work, there is a very high likelihood that those same employees will bring a lawsuit against your organization to seek compensation for at-work accidents. These lawsuits can be very costly before even considering the court settlement costs. In addition, there are additional non-monetary costs with lawsuits from the attention they will draw from key personnel at your organization. Instead of working on the business, these personnel will need to shift some of their focus to the lawsuit.
5. Negative Impacts To Reputation Among Investors and Community Stakeholders
Failing to train employees with the required employee health and safety awareness training can lead to a negative reputation not only with employees but also with investors and other key stakeholders in the community. This could lead to a decrease in investor interest, increased challenges in raising capital, and less community and government support.
An unsafe workplace can affect your reputation with investors.
6. Legal Proceedings
If you do not comply you are at risk of undergoing a health and safety awareness training audit. If your organization fails the audit, the Ontario Government will impose fines and jail time, resulting in corresponding legal proceedings. With these legal proceedings will come legal costs in addition to the penalties being imposed by the government.
Failure to adhere to health and safety regulations can result in severe consequences, including:
Potential Fines And Jail Time
Personal Penalties
- Fines: Individuals can face substantial financial penalties, often up to $25,000 per offence.
- Imprisonment: In serious cases, individuals may be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail.
Corporate Penalties
- Fines: Corporations can be subject to hefty fines, reaching up to $500,000 or more depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the violation.
You could be fined or even face jail time.
At the Devry Smith Frank LLP’s Occupational Health and Safety Seminar, guest speaker Sandra Excellent from the Public Sector Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) covered the basic requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Check out the video of her speech below:
Health And Safety Awareness Training
Looking for Health And Safety Awareness Training? ACUTE is your solution.
With over 200+ years of combined experience, we offer comprehensive training, on-site services, and expert consulting to address your specific safety needs. Our commitment to open communication and client partnership ensures you receive tailored solutions.
Choose ACUTE for:
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from our vast industry experience.
- Customized Training: Programs tailored to your workplace.
- Proven Results: Our stellar reputation speaks for itself.
Don’t wait. Contact us today!
Testimonials
“We have used Acute Environmental & Safety Services Inc. for many years and our personnel always come back well trained, energized and bringing lots of ideas.” –Dante, Environmental Service Company
Leave A Comment