For example, Iowa provides consultation, advice and education about creating safer workplaces free of charge to employers through the Consultation and Education Bureau, Iowa Division of Labor Services. The amount of training and outreach performed by the Consultation and Education Bureau has been increasing through the past decade, along with the size of its staff. Nonetheless, many Iowa businesses are not yet aware of those services. The emotional, physical, and financial toll of workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses is substantial. Assuring the safety and health of workers provides benefits across the board.
Workers benefit directly from fewer fatalities, injuries and illnesses.
Families of workers benefit from more stable income, avoidance of medical and rehabilitation costs, and less emotional trauma. Businesses benefit from improved employee morale and reduced workers compensation and other costs. Society benefits when more people are healthy enough to continue working to support themselves and their families, rather than becoming beneficiaries of public services. Many of Iowa s workers are exposed to dangerous situations every workday. With proper knowledge, equipment, caution, and precautions, these sources of harm can be removed or limited, and injuries, illnesses, and deaths can be prevented.