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THE TROUBLE WITH BUSINESS
Safety First Workplace safety is a crucial part of company culture and the bottom line. By A.J. Kaufman
and transferring risks. “Insurance is all about risk transfer, so when businesses are properly covered for liability, business property, worker’s comp, and other potential areas, they can better protect their assets — including employees — from potential losses, and continue to evolve.” A Cultural Imperative
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ccupational safety has made significant strides during the last few generations. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 — which originally was enacted to govern the federal law of occupational health and safety in the private sector and public sectors — ensured that employees worked within an environment free from hazards. During the last half-century, regulations have been implemented to enhance conditions further for workers across all industries. However, recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that thousands of fatal occupational injuries still occur annually in the United States. Business owners must understand how their commitment to occupational
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safety plays a part in shaping company culture by supporting effective training, driving innovation, and delivering a strong return on investment. Equally important are the compliance and insurance considerations, along with practical strategies for building and maintaining safety plans that protect employees and strengthen operations for the future. A Valuable Asset
Reva Van Vleet, an owner/agent with St. Cloud-based Rock City Insurance, believes it is essential for a small business to understand what coverage they need, and that coverage needs to “evolve with them as their business evolves,” she said. “We see businesses that start with no employees and have a
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business owner’s policy that covers everything they need at that point, but as they hire new employees, a worker’s comp plan is important — and legally required, of course — to protect their business and the safety of their employees,” Van Vleet said. She stressed that, for a business to be sustainable, business owners must understand their coverage and know their business is adequately covered. Creating an environment where the importance of workplace safety is valued is crucial. “Employees are more likely to feel valued, have a sense of trust in their employer and have more ability to take creative risks, knowing their safety is prioritized,” Van Vleet explained. She recommends that businesses have a risk management plan for identifying, assessing, controlling
As executive director of the Midwest Manufacturers’ Association, Lynda Bailey says safety is not solely a compliance requirement but central to her members’ culture and overall return on investment. “Companies that prioritize occupational safety consistently see fewer disruptions, lower insurance costs, and higher morale,” Bailey said. According to Bailey, a safe workplace fosters trust, which translates into productivity and innovation. “When employees know their well-being is valued, they are more engaged and more willing to contribute ideas that improve processes and outcomes.” Building a strong safety plan begins with leadership buy-in, clear communication and continuous training. “It’s not a ‘one-and-done’ document, but a living system that adapts with new technologies and evolving standards,” Bailey said. “Many of our manufacturers are exploring how AI and digital tools can enhance monitoring, training, and predictive maintenance by identifying risks before they become incidents.”