The key to success was using a musical cue to announce room-wide stretch breaks. The song of choice? None other than the theme song of the most storied and celebrated villain in movie history, Darth Vader. Cue the “Imperial March!” Visible support and participation from the company's leadership—at every level—was also a key factor in the success of this program. Once the musical cue comes on, everyone in the room has to stretch—from executives, to engineers to safety managers, to production workers. When everyone participates, everyone wins and the business benefits.

Equipping new hires for safety and success

Finally, a manufacturing client was experiencing an increase in injuries and illnesses among new hires, resulting in increased OSHA recordable rates, worker compensation costs and higher turnover. The implemented program focused on assessing work tasks and safety practices before, during and after the hiring process to ensure new hires met the requirements of the job and were properly trained. Ultimately, this proactive approach resulted in decreased OSHA recordable rates by 60 percent in the first year and another 18 percent the following year. Additionally, fewer OSHA recordables meant a savings of $12,000 to $25,000 per case.

Now, you might think your business is different and case studies like these don't apply to you. But, workplace injuries happen for a variety of reasons and those reasons are changing as quickly as technology and what comprises today's workplace. Everyone can benefit from a proactive approach.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four main factors that are contributing to the growing need for injury prevention and treatment programs.

1. Work is becoming more automated. This automation introduces new and different hazards into the workplace as a result of technology, computers, and robotics.
2. The workplace is also more diverse than ever before. This can potentially have an impact on communication and create barriers to a safe workplace as people from different backgrounds and cultures work together.
3. Today's workforce is aging. The risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders is on the rise as work and life have become more sedentary.
4. The nature of employment is changing. Traditional relationships between employers and employees are shifting, increasing temporary and contract employment. Safety programs must evolve to address the ever-changing workplace and how employees contribute to their workplace.

A hands-on approach to injury prevention and treatment is always good business. It ensures your organization can maximize productivity and optimize performance. And there is no question that employees who feel valued and safe in the workplace contribute to the wellbeing of the business in the long run—and that's good for everyone.

Read more:

• Wearables are making the workplace safer
• Employee well-being: Maximizing ROI, minimizing headaches
• Survey says: Wellness pays off for recruitment and retention

Nicole Chaudet is the executive director, product execution, with HealthFitness. She is charged with leading the team that takes new products, services and product enhancements to market. She has been delivering employee wellbeing programs and solutions, both on-site and in a consultative role, for more than 20 years.