| Safety
is an important bottom-line consideration, since reducing worker injuries
saves money. There are over 6 million work-site injuries and
illnesses a year in the U.S. That's 7 cases per 100 full-time workers.
The result is lost productivity, workers' compensation claims, damaged
equipment, and lawsuits.
The good news is that safety programs work, especially those that rely
on incentives to encourage employee participation. And initiatives in
many states reward companies for effective safety programs by offering
a 5% credit on workers compensation premiums. Although complicated, federal
tax laws provide incentives for companies to offer qualified safety programs.
With a qualified program, employers can deduct the cost of rewards and
employees can accept them on a tax-free basis. |
|
