What the DGUV report on "Return on Prevention" shows – and what that specifically means for HighStep Systems means
Occupational safety is not a "nice-to-have". It is a economic factor.
This is evidenced by the international DGUV Report on the Calculation of the “Return on Prevention” (ROP) clearly.
The final report of a joint research project by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Energy, Textile, Electrical and Media Products Industries (BG ETEM) examines, what measurable benefits companies derive from investments in occupational health and safety.
The result is clear – and highly relevant for companies with workplaces at height, technical equipment and safety-critical access points.
The key finding of the DGUV report: Prevention pays off.
The international Return on Prevention (ROP) is 2,2.
👉 Every euro invested in prevention generates an average of 2,20 euros in benefits.
This benefit arises not in the abstract, but very concretely through:
- fewer workplace accidents
- less downtime
- fewer operational disruptions
- Increased motivation and attention from employees
- improved company culture
- lower indirect costs
The report clearly shows: Occupational safety is not just a cost center, but an investment with a return on investment.
Occupational safety is still primarily understood as a legal obligation in many companies. Measures are implemented to meet standards, pass audits, or minimize liability risks. The international DGUV Report on the Calculation of the “Return on Prevention” However, it clearly shows:
Occupational health and safety is not a cost center, but an investment with a measurable return.
The final report is based on an international research project by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the International Social Security Association (ISSA), and the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Energy, Textile, Electrical and Media Products Industries (BG ETEM). The aim was to systematically investigate, for the first time, What are the costs and benefits of investments in occupational health and safety for companies? – comparable both nationally and internationally.
The Return on Prevention: Prevention with economic impact
The central finding of the DGUV report is clear and particularly relevant for decision-makers:
The international Return on Prevention (ROP) is 2,2.
This means:
👉 Every euro invested in prevention measures generates an average economic benefit of 2,20 euros.
This benefit does not arise abstractly or theoretically, but through concrete operational effects such as:
- fewer workplace accidents
- reduced downtime
- fewer operational disruptions
- more stable processes
- Increased motivation and attention from employees
The report thus refutes the widespread assumption that occupational safety only causes ongoing costs without measurable return.
Where prevention has the greatest leverage
According to the DGUV Report, the influence of occupational health and safety is considered particularly high in the following business areas:
- Production
- transportation and logistics
- personnel deployment
- Storage:
Especially in these areas, accidents, unplanned shutdowns, or improvised access lead to high direct and indirect costsMaintenance work under time pressure, inadequate access solutions or missing safety systems not only increase the risk to employees, but also the risk of production downtime and disruptions in ongoing operations.
It is precisely at this point that the connection to HighStep Systems particularly clear.
From study to operational reality
The DGUV report lists the following as among the most important effects of prevention measures:
- Reduction of hazards
- Reduction of unsafe behavior
- Reduction of workplace accidents
- Reducing downtime
- Reduction of operational disruptions
These effects can be directly observed safe and well-designed access systems for working at height transferred. In practice, it is repeatedly shown that:
When access to systems, facades or technical equipment is safe, ergonomic and clearly regulated, maintenance and inspection work becomes easier. carried out more regularly, quickly and in accordance with standards.
She wants to know which specific standards apply to fall protection? Here there is more information.
Improvisation, risky behavior, and "brief climbs without safety equipment" are decreasing significantly. This is precisely what creates the economic effects described in the DGUV report.
The specific contribution of HighStep Systems Return on Prevention
HighStep Systems develops and implements solutions for safe, standards-compliant and efficient access to heights – especially for industrial plants, buildings, facades and technical infrastructures.
In the context of Return on Prevention, this means specifically:
- Reduction of accident risks
Secure access systems minimize the risk of falls and reduce the likelihood of reportable workplace accidents. - Less downtime
Ergonomic and safe systems reduce physical strain and long-term health consequences for employees. - Higher plant availability
Faster, more direct access reduces maintenance times and downtime. - Increased safety awareness
Clear, permanently installed systems promote compliant behavior and reduce unsafe shortcuts.
This translates HighStep Systems the results of the DGUV report in concrete, measurable operational benefits.
Further information on the cost-benefit ratio in power engineering can be found here. here.
Prevention as a strategic investment
Another important finding of the DGUV report:
Cow 75% of the companies surveyed indicate that Further investments in occupational safety will lead to stable or even decreasing operating costs in the long term..
The report also advocates for prevention as independent third pillar This is to be understood as occupational safety – alongside accident insurance and rehabilitation. For companies, this means:
Prevention is not a reaction to accidents, but a strategic preliminary decision for stability, efficiency and profitability.
Why safe access to high altitudes is an economic factor
The DGUV report provides the scientific basis for a clear statement:
Prevention pays off.
HighStep Systems The technical implementation is delivered precisely where prevention has the greatest economic leverage – in work at heights, on critical systems and in sensitive operational areas.
Safe access systems at height are therefore not only a contribution to the protection of employees, but also a direct leverage for return on prevention:
Fewer risks, fewer failures, fewer disruptions – and greater planning security in operations.
The full report is available for download at DGUV.
