Machine safeguarding
The ROI of Machine Safeguarding
Investing in machine safeguarding isn’t just about compliance—it’s smart business. While many companies look at safety as a cost center, the reality is that a properly safeguarded machine pays for itself many times over.
Why Safeguarding Pays Off
When a machine is properly safeguarded, you’re not just protecting people—you’re also protecting your bottom line. Injuries and accidents come with a high price tag, both seen and unseen.
Tangible Costs of a Workplace Injury
Direct & Measurable
- Medical expenses
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Fines from OSHA or other regulatory bodies
- Increased insurance premiums
- Unplanned downtime and production delays
- Damage to equipment and materials
- Unexpected outsource work
Intangible Costs
Harder to Measure, Still Costly
- Lower employee morale and retention
- Reputation damage
- Legal expenses and litigation risk
- Loss of future contracts or customers
- Disruption of operations and productivity
- Employee Injury
A Simple Formula to Estimate ROI
We recommend using this straightforward formula—one that’s been backed by safety professionals and insurers:
ROI (%) = Estimated Savings from Accidents Prevented (– Cost of Safeguarding)/Cost of Safeguarding × 100
If no similar accident happens over two years, your ROI doubles.
Example:
$100,000 Per Year (Saved Medical/Downtime Fines) – $45,000 (Cost of Safeguarding) = $55,000
$55,000/$45,000 x 100 = 122% ROI
Real-World Impact
One business shared this story with us:
An employee injury cost them $67,000 in direct costs. But after downtime, missed deadlines, legal fees, and a lost contract, the total cost ballooned to over $670,000.
That’s the kind of financial hit that no spreadsheet or budget forecast sees coming—until it’s too late.
Safeguarding is a Smart Investment
While every facility is different, the math is clear: Spending now to prevent injuries saves far more than reacting later. Whether it’s through reducing downtime, avoiding fines, or boosting employee morale, the return on investment in machine safeguarding is real—and significant.