Workplace safety is undoubtedly a priority at your company but be sure you're focusing attention on the accidents that are most prevalent.

One survey found that the potential accident causes that companies are most concerned about aren't necessarily what's occurring in the workplace.

For example, executives surveyed said that "repetitive motion" is the most important cause of workplace accidents and they focus safety resources accordingly. However, other accident causes produced greater direct costs for companies. The leading accident cause based on injury claims was "overexertion."

Similarly, companies may place less priority on accident causes that have greater potential financial impact. For example, executives who participated in the survey felt "falls on the same level" was the seventh most important cause of workplace accidents. 
 
Take a look at the chart below and, if necessary, realign your workplace safety priorities.

As a further incentive, the survey found that 95 per cent of business executives feel that workplace safety has a positive impact on a company's financial performance. And 61 per cent believe their companies receive a return on investment of $3 or more for each $1 they invest in improving safety.