Workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses billions every year. When an employee gets hurt, the costs go far beyond the emergency room. A single cut hand, a missed eyewash rinse, or an expired fire extinguisher can quickly spiral into lost productivity, costly claims, delayed projects, and hours of paperwork.
In 2022 alone, injuries led to more than 108 million lost workdays, time no company can afford to lose. These aren’t just big numbers. They’re avoidable ones. In this article, we’ll break down the true cost of common workplace incidents, show how they impact your bottom line, and explain how a smart, proactive safety strategy can protect both your people and your business.
Most first aid incidents seem manageable until they’re not. The total cost of things like a deep cut that doesn’t get treated properly, a burn that gets infected, or a twisted knee that turns into lost time can add up quickly. According to the National Safety Council, each medically consulted injury costs about $40,000.
That’s not just medical bills. It includes lost wages, claim processing, replacement labor, and productivity loss. The kicker? Many of these injuries start small. But without prompt and proper care, like stocked first aid kits or trained responders, they escalate fast. Delays mean downtime. Missed follow-ups lead to complications. You pay in both dollars and days.
Fires can be rare, but when they happen, the fallout is massive. In 2022, $3.7 billion in fire-related damages were reported for workplace incidents. Fires don’t just destroy property. They delay projects, trigger insurance claims, require investigations, and sometimes, unfortunately, lead to fatalities.
A fire extinguisher placed too far or left uninspected can be the difference between a 5-minute disruption and a 5-week shutdown. And while many companies assume their fire protection plans are in place, it’s common to find expired extinguishers, blocked exits, and untrained staff during spot inspections.
The impact of a workplace injury doesn’t end when the incident is over. In many cases, the effects linger for months or even years. Disabling injuries from 2022 are expected to lead to 60 million more lost workdays in future years.
Injuries lead to high turnover, more training hours, and morale dips. Replacing an injured worker can cost anywhere from 25% to 50% of their annual salary, depending on the industry. And repeat violations or ignored hazards invite OSHA penalties that get steeper every year. Companies that don’t address safety gaps end up reacting to one incident after another. It drains leadership focus, stresses HR and operations, and builds a reputation no one wants.
Every injury carries a price. But the real cost isn’t just in claims or lost workdays, it’s in missed opportunities, distracted leadership, and preventable setbacks. Choosing to invest in safety means choosing stability, efficiency, and confidence in your daily operations.
When safety is part of your strategy, you don’t just avoid losses, you gain trust, protect your people, and build a workplace that runs smoother and stronger. It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending smarter. Safety doesn’t have to be reactive. With the right partner, it becomes a competitive edge.
Thompson Safety isn’t just a vendor. We’re a full-service safety partner. That means fewer calls, faster fixes, and stronger coverage across your entire safety program. Here’s a few examples of how we can help:
First Aid Programs: We stock and service your first aid kits to meet OSHA standards, so injuries get treated right, right away.
Eyewash Stations: Our team installs, inspects, and maintains eyewash equipment so it’s functional and easy to reach in an emergency.
Fire Protection Services: From extinguishers to inspections, we keep your fire gear ready and compliant, no last-minute scrambles.
We also offer training and PPE services, as well as advanced fire protection services including exit & emergency lighting, sprinkler, alarm, suppression systems and more.
You can pay for safety now or pay for injuries later. Only one of those comes with peace of mind, a healthier workforce, and a stronger bottom line. If you're ready to stop managing injuries and start preventing them, Thompson Safety is ready to help. Request a safety review today - Your team and your budget will thank you!
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