Injury Prevention as a Profit Strategy: ROI on Ergonomic Equipment

Injury prevention is often treated as a cost centre. But it’s increasingly clear that ergonomics is a profit driver. The evidence? Companies that proactively implement ergonomic solutions report fewer disruptions, lower turnover, better morale—and yes, stronger margins.

Take this: WorkSafe Victoria data shows that a single manual handling injury can cost an organisation upwards of $75,000 in direct and indirect costs. By contrast, many ergonomic tools—like powered trolleys or adjustable lifting frames—cost under $10,000 and last several years.

Let’s look at return on investment:

• A single avoided back injury saves thousands in claim and productivity costs.
• Teams that use proper lifting tools reduce lost time injury frequency rates (LTIFRs), improving operational uptime.
• A culture of prevention improves recruitment and retention—particularly in ageing and skilled trades workforces.

A landmark study by the Washington State Department of Labor found an average ROI of $3 to $6 for every dollar spent on ergonomics, depending on the industry. Similar trends are seen in Australia, with businesses reducing claims by up to 40% within 12 months of ergonomic program rollouts.

Some leaders still hesitate, waiting for regulatory pressure or an injury to justify investment. But best-in-class organisations treat safety as a strategic lever—not just a compliance issue. They use ergonomic upgrades to reduce costs, improve productivity, and differentiate themselves as employers of choice.

Executive takeaway: Injury prevention isn’t overhead. It’s opportunity. When done well, it pays for itself many times over.