The decision to implement and engage in occupational safety and health (OSH) initiatives is largely dependent on both the immediate and long-term goals of an organization. Often, priorities shift, and the needs of the business change. OSH professionals have the responsibility to develop strong business cases for initiatives designed to protect people, property and the environment. A critical element of developing a strong business case is to align the benefits of a given initiative to the organization’s goals and business needs.

This white paper details specific considerations for OSH professionals, including key factors that influence and enable this alignment as well as tools available to OSH professionals and executives to help make strong business cases. OSH professionals should consider, and at times take advantage of, specific organizational goals aligned to environmental, social and governance; supply chain and customer needs; economic shifts and technological developments; and regulatory focus changes to prioritize solutions and make stronger cases for initiatives. Leveraging safety management systems, ensuring proper structure and staffing within OSH, outsourcing functions when necessary, engaging in professional development, and managing data appropriately can help bolster OSH initiatives and ensure business needs are met. The considerations and tools presented in this white paper can help OSH professionals and executives create alignment with the business, resulting in a stronger case for safety and efficient allocation of resources.