The purpose of a safety footwear program is to minimize exposure to workplace hazards so that your team can work safely and efficiently. While most safety programs likely seek to achieve a similar goal, not all safety footwear programs are created equal. That’s why it is important to thoroughly evaluate the benefits and potential results of a program before committing. But how do you properly vet your options to ensure you select the best fit program for your company?

Read ahead for 5 factors to consider when choosing the right safety program.

 

Calculate Potential ROI

For some companies, the decision to invest in a safety footwear program is driven by the opportunity to reduce annual spending on workers’ compensation costs. This decision is unsurprising since occupational slip and fall injuries cost employers and employees $70 billion each year in workers' compensation and medical expenses.

Investing in the right safety program can drive substantial cost savings for your company. According to the National Safety Council, for every dollar invested in an injury prevention program a minimum ROI of $3 is yielded. For example, this means that an investment of $10,000 would yield an ROI of $30,000 for your company. Because not all programs are the same, it’s important to consider the potential return on investment of each program before committing.

 

Consider Accident Prevention Rates

The purpose of a safety program is to reduce workplace accidents to ensure your team is protected against potential hazards. Therefore, average accident prevention rates should be of high priority when comparing program options. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, companies who invest in workplace safety programs see at least a 60% reduction in workplace injuries. This is important to remember when deciding which footwear program option is best for your company.

 

Research Product Safety Testing Methods

When choosing a safety program provider, you should research and become familiar with the different product testing methods. Product testing is the process of testing, inspecting and certifying a product to verify that it meets any applicable safety and compliance requirements. This process ensures that your team’s PPE equipment has undergone the necessary assessments and increases the product’s reliability.

The testing method used by a PPE provider can help you determine the validity of their products. For example, Shoes For Crews® uses internationally recognized ASTM testing protocols. Today, it is a requirement for safety footwear in the United States to comply with ASTM International’s standards. Unfortunately, companies who aren’t well informed about safety testing methods may overlook this important detail – which could cost you in the long run.

 

Review Customizable Program Options

When evaluating safety programs, remember that the right program shouldn’t use a “one size fits all” approach. After all, most companies have completely different goals and therefore require their own strategies to be successful. Instead, the program should be tailored specifically to help you meet your company’s individual needs.

The right program should allow you to customize program features such as:

• Flexible payment options, including payroll deduction and credit card
• Custom ordering portals for 24/7 online access
• Employee shoe options that meet slip resistance standards and company policies
• Marketing support to boost internal program awareness

The ability to tailor the program according to your company’s goals enables you to drive better results from the program.

 

Consider Additional Services and Resources

A safety footwear program should be about more than just purchasing safety shoes. Instead, it should be a comprehensive program with dedicated account management services to help you achieve your safety goals. With the support of an account management team, you’ll have access to program insights and be better equipped to make strong decisions around safety for your team.

 

Ultimately, there are many factors to consider when selecting a safety footwear program. Having a thorough understanding of your company’s safety goals will help you determine what you need from a safety program. Then, you can better evaluate your program options to find the best fit for your company.

 

Visit the Corporate Programs page to learn about our safety programs.