Prevention pays off

For most people, work and health are important parts of their lives. Everyone wants to stay healthy, and in gainful employment. Businesses and employers have a duty to retain the good health of their employees. This includes both the avoidance of accidents, and preventive health care. The relevance of occupational safety and health is however underestimated by many businesses and employers. Our aim is to convince businesses that investment in greater occupational safety and health is one that pays off. Sustainable occupational safety and health improves company and business processes. Improved working conditions and recognition of employees' efforts enhance their motivation and reduce absences from work, with a clear positive impact upon the businesses' bottom line.

In order to attain the best possible results, we at the German Social Accident Insurance have made "Vision Zero" our goal. We have formulated this in our Position Paper on Prevention.

The accident insurance institutions use a wide range of prevention measures to support companies and institutions in their activities. Best-practice examples of numerous prevention activities bear witness to the success of these efforts. Incentives in prevention are intended to motivate businesses, institutions and insured individuals to pursue better occupational safety and health out of conviction. In this way, too, the link between occupational safety and health and business interests is made tangible to the businesses.