By Dr. Ashish Mulraj Ved
“Investing in safety does not cost, it pays. The economy of a business cannot flourish without the health of its workers.” – Warren Buffett, American Business Magnate”
When we talk about the money side of keeping workplaces safe and healthy, we’re really talking about something much bigger than just a revenue. The return on investment (ROI) from Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) efforts is about more than just profit—it’s about people, and it’s about our planet.
Think of HSE initiatives like a superhero’s shield. The money a company puts into safety training, better equipment, and health programs is like crafting that shield. Sure, it costs to make it strong, but when trouble comes—like accidents or health issues—that shield saves more money than it cost to make. It keeps workers from getting hurt, which means less money spent on things like medical bills and legal consequences such as enforcement action, penalties, lawyer fees.
But there’s more to it than just avoiding costs. When a company really cares about keeping its people safe, it’s like planting a garden of loyalty and hard work. Workers feel valued and take better care of their company in return. They’re happier, they stick around longer, and they do a better job. Plus, new talent—the kind that wants a workplace that cares about them—starts knocking on the door.
And let’s not forget about the customers. Today’s shoppers have big hearts—they want to buy from businesses that look after the health and safety of people and the environment. So, when a company is known for being safe and green, it can win over customers and stand out from the crowd.
Now, saving the planet might seem like a job for the movies, but it’s part of HSE, too. When businesses work to cut down on waste, use less water, or make less pollution, they’re doing their part to keep the earth healthy. The money might not show up right away in their bank account, but the payoff is huge for everyone who shares this planet.
In simple terms, spending money on safety and the environment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. It’s about creating a place where people are safe, happy, and productive. It’s about building a brand that people trust and want to support. And it’s about looking after our world so it can keep looking after us. That’s the real ROI of HSE initiatives—it’s about making investments that count for more than just profit and enhances reputation that can keep the organisations in strong stance for years to come.
Dr. Ashish Mulraj Ved is a distinguished HSE consultant and training specialist, honoured with the National HSE Excellence Award in Nepal, the Falcon Talon Safety Excellence Award in USA and Safe India Hero Plus 2023 Award for Excellence in Safety Leadership in India for his exceptional contributions in the field of HSE – Health, Safety and Environment.
