ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how one can create a sound business case for safety, shows how to translate safety data into real cost and benefit, as well as how to effectively present the more intangible benefits associated with safety improvements. It looks at the most commonly used and easiest to do method: the cost of action and the cost saving or benefit. The chapter suggests that safety professionals lose credibility when they seek money for improvement programmes. There are three areas that are linked to the safety professional's role: Driver safety, Occupational health and Environment. While there are moral and legal considerations that drive organisations to manage and improve their safety culture and performance, the biggest driver tends to be financial. Working out the cost saving or benefit is a little harder to do, but only because you have to translate safety in monetary terms.
