ABSTRACT
Leaders must continually ask, 'Are we safe enough?' Why? Why is it so important to have a strong safety program? Costs. An organization has a moral obligation to protect its people, but the driving force behind a safety program is the cost of not having one. Chapter 3 discusses costs of losing the risk game, which are reduced to one thing: lost productivity. Direct and indirect costs weaken an organization's ability to conduct its mission and deliver its products. Direct, but delayed, costs are compensatory or punitive damages from litigation, which are sometimes devastating to an organization, especially when a negligent corporate board fails to establish a solid safety program. When an accidental death occurs within an organization, the courts will look closely at the safety program to determine if adequate protective measures are in place. While we do not do safety to impress courts, it sure helps if something goes wrong. Essentially, a safety program must address hazards and mitigate risks, and abide by Government regulations and statutes. However, safety is much more complex, requiring great effort and oversight.
