A critical review of the application of economic evaluation methodologies in occupational health and safety

Abstract With limited time and competing demands on scarce funds, many organizations are apt to focus only on those occupational health and safety (OHS) issues that are required by law, or the ones demonstrated to have an impact on the bottom line. Prevention initiatives may not always bring financial returns, yet if an intervention has health and safety benefits, then it still may be a good business decision for some organizations. Essentially, doing a good job of health and safety is regarded by some organizations as a critical part of business, and is considered a key benefit in its own right. Nonetheless, information on the costs and consequences of an OHS intervention is an invaluable input into the decision of whether or not to undertake it.