Questions & AnswersRobert Pater, SSA/MoveSMART Director Question: "Is there a standard ratio defining the relationship of direct to indirect injury costs?" Answer: "There is definitely no standard. I've heard estimates of indirect costs vary from two to ten times direct costs. This is like trying to arrive at the 'real' cost of a back injury--it depends on too many organization-specific factors. For most safety pros, the underlying purpose of trying to develop such a ratio is to influence senior management and other funding gods to provide injury prevention support and resources. My experience with senior managers in numerous companies is that any rigid attempt to push an undocumented ratio by these botttom-line thinkers is likely to be met with strong skepticism and could endanger the safety pro's credibility. Better to show the indirect injury costs specific to your organization (cost of key employee replacement, problems with scheduling, etc.). These will be more meaningful--and persuasive--to your senior management." |