Johan Rheeder emphasises that safety is everyone’s business—a universal imperative that spans all industries, driving accountability and proactive culture
Safety Is Everyone’s Business, a Universal Imperative Across All Industries
When most people think about workplace safety, hard hats, high-vis vests and heavy machinery likely come to mind. Safety is still largely perceived as the domain of high-risk industries such as construction, mining or manufacturing. However, this narrow view is not only outdated; it is dangerous. In today’s business landscape, safety is not industry-specific. It is a universal business imperative that affects every organisation, from bustling retail environments and office spaces to hospitals, schools and logistics operations.
The notion that safety is only critical in physically hazardous industries ignores the complex and evolving nature of workplace risk. Even in environments that appear “low risk” on the surface, there are significant threats to employee wellbeing, business continuity and brand reputation. Safety is no longer just about preventing injuries; it is about creating resilient, sustainable workplaces that support people and performance at every level.
Safety Reconsidered: Rethinking Risk in Low-Risk Settings
Take the office, for example. While employees may not be navigating scaffolding or operating forklifts, they are still exposed to risks that can seriously impact their health and productivity. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), poor ergonomics, eye strain and inadequate ventilation are just a few common culprits. On the psychosocial side, stress, burnout, harassment, and workplace bullying are growing concerns across all sectors. The World Health Organization has recognised mental health at work as a critical area. 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019. Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, with an estimated US$1 trillion (approximately R 18.75 trillion) per year in lost productivity.
Similarly, in customer-facing environments such as retail or hospitality, the risk profile includes everything from slips and falls to aggression from customers and public liability concerns. These may not be as immediately dramatic as a construction site injury, but their impact on staff morale, customer trust and the bottom line can be just as severe.
In healthcare and education, where the work centres on people, the risks are even more nuanced. From needle-stick injuries and exposure to infectious diseases to the emotional toll of caregiving and classroom management, these sectors illustrate that “safety” includes both physical and psychological protection.
The Strategic Value of Safety
Beyond the legal and ethical responsibility to protect people, there is a compelling business case for safety. Safe workplaces are more productive, more resilient and more attractive to talent. Research from the International Social Security Association (ISSA) shows that for every €1 invested in occupational safety and health, businesses receive a Return on Prevention (ROP) of €2.20 (for every R 20.35 invested, businesses receive a return of approximately R 44.77). ROP is a financial metric developed by the ISSA to quantify the economic value of investing in occupational safety and health (OSH) measures. It works similarly to a return on investment (ROI), but it’s specific to the context of preventive safety measures in the workplace.
This return includes direct and indirect financial benefits such as:
- Reduced accident and injury rates
- Lower absenteeism
- Higher productivity
- Improved employee morale
- Lower insurance premiums and compensation costs
- Fewer legal or regulatory costs
This figure is based on quantitative and qualitative data from interviews with over 300 companies across 15 countries and various industries. According to the companies interviewed, spending on occupational safety and health is an investment that “pays off” for companies. This represents not just a good return; it is a strategic advantage.
Safety also plays a crucial role in maintaining operational continuity. Workplace incidents disrupt schedules, drain resources and can trigger costly investigations and litigation. In today’s hyperconnected world, a single safety lapse can also go viral, damaging your brand reputation and eroding customer trust. Conversely, a visible, credible commitment to safety builds trust, not just with employees, but with clients, partners and the wider community.
Safety Is a Culture, Not a Checklist
Embedding safety into an organisation’s culture is key. It cannot be the sole responsibility of health and safety officers or compliance teams. Everyone – from executives and managers to frontline staff – must understand and buy into the value of a safe working environment.
This begins with training. But not just box-ticking compliance modules – training that is relevant, engaging and tailored to the realities of different roles and industries. Whether it is risk assessment in logistics, mental health awareness in education or manual handling in retail, proper training ensures safety is more than a policy. It is a shared priority.
Invest in a Safer Future
We need to collectively move beyond the outdated view that safety is a concern only for high-risk sectors. Decision-makers in all industries must recognise that safety is not an operational afterthought – it is a strategic priority.
A safer workplace is a smarter business. It protects people, preserves reputation, improves retention and drives performance. Safety is not the responsibility of one person or department – it is everyone’s business.
Equip your team with the right knowledge. No matter your industry or risk profile, a proactive approach to safety will yield lasting returns – for your people and your organisation.