February 2025 | Intersociety Forum

Through Modern Occupational Environmental, Health and Safety Practices

Modern occupational environmental, health and safety (EHS) practices are key to driving economic growth. This document, developed by the Intersociety Forum (ISF), a coalition of organizations dedicated to safeguarding worker safety and health, highlights the many ways safety practices create a strategic advantage that powers enduring business success while fostering innovation and protecting workers.

Despite advancements, workplace injury and fatality rates remain stagnant. By adopting proactive, risk-based safety strategies, businesses can unlock greater productivity, reduce costs and strengthen their global competitiveness.

We urge today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritize occupational EHS as a foundation of economic competitiveness. Adopting this approach will position the U.S. as a global leader in safety, innovation and workforce wellbeing, enabling workers and businesses to thrive.

Modern EHS practices are essential for economic growth, yet workplace injury and fatality rates remain stagnant. By adopting proactive safety strategies, businesses can enhance productivity and global competitiveness.

Occupational EHS enhances productivity, ensures employee safety, yet injury rates remain flat over the decade.

Employers should adopt risk-based EHS practices to enhance worker safety, productivity, and competitiveness.

In 2023, a U.S. worker died every 99 minutes, costing $1.39 million per death.

Investing in safety and worker well-being can yield financial benefits, with the total cost of work injuries reaching $167 billion in 2022, including $50.7 billion in productivity losses. Preventable injuries cost U.S. businesses $47.9 billion in 2021, highlighting the importance of effective safety management systems.

Modern occupational EHS practices emphasize proactive risk management, leading to a 20% reduction in injury and illness rates and a return of $4 to $6 for every $1 invested. Companies with high-performing EHS functions experienced faster growth in net income, revenue, and market capitalization. Effective safety programs enhance financial, social, and regulatory performance.

The section emphasizes the importance of leading indicators in enhancing workplace safety and promoting a proactive EHS culture.

• Leading indicators, such as near-misses and training completion, help organizations predict and prevent serious workplace incidents.
• Continuous monitoring and analysis of these indicators improve safety outcomes and align with modern governance practices.
• Prioritizing risk assessment and predictive analytics positions the U.S. as a leader in the global economy.
• Embracing safety as a strategic priority fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and continuous improvement in organizations.
• The text highlights the role of occupational EHS as a foundation for sustainable business growth and worker well-being.

Sources: 

This section provides insights into workplace safety, injury statistics, and the effectiveness of safety management programs.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.7% decrease in fatal work injuries in 2023.
• In 2023, there were 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in private industry.
• The Liberty Mutual Insurance 2024 Workplace Safety Index highlights trends and methodologies in workplace safety.
• The Campbell Institute offers a practical guide on leading indicators for improving safety outcomes in organizations.
• OSHA emphasizes the importance of using leading indicators to enhance safety and health outcomes in the workplace