As we inch closer to 2026, organizations and their employees are wondering what the new year will bring. For many, one topic is already dominating their priority list in these winter months: workplace safety.
According to stats from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), companies spend an estimated $170 billion each year on the direct and indirect costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. What’s more, workplaces that establish an effective safety and health management system can reduce their workplace injury and illness-related costs by up to 40%.
In that vein, AmTrust has created six definitive New Year’s resolutions businesses can adopt to improve workplace safety, and overall morale, in 2026 and beyond;
What can’t be kept clean can’t be kept safe. Hazards can be found in any type of commercial establishment, from offices and machine shops to retail stores and restaurants. Slips and falls on wet floors or trips over clutter can easily occur when conditions are not kept clean and organized. Clutter can also increase the risk of fires, especially stockpiles of paper or boxes located near sources of ignition.
If safeguards fail and an injury does occur, make it your company’s mission to return that employee to meaningful, productive working activity within the doctor’s restrictions as soon as possible. These programs benefit both the employer and the injured workers. For the employees, return-to-work programs help ease financial stress, keeps skills sharp and can reduce recovery time. Employers benefit from reduced workers’ compensation costs, lower turnover, and maintained productivity by allowing injured workers to remain engaged.
Every business has a level of driving exposure. In some companies, transportation is central to the operations. In others, it is only an incidental, such as running occasional errands. Regardless of frequency, in almost all cases, it’s by far the most dangerous activity employees perform - and the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the U.S. Prioritizing driving safety is critical to protecting employees, their families and the business itself.
Avoiding shortcuts not only enhances safety, but also improves the quality of products and services. Ensure all employees understand proper safety procedures including lifting techniques, equipment use, wearing protective gear, and reporting unsafe working conditions. Maintaining accurate records of any incidents, including near-miss accidents, allows organizations to continuously learn and improve.
Fatigue can easily become a liability. Tired team members, especially those who work long shifts, are prone to mistakes and accidents, especially during long shifts or physically demanding tasks. Scheduling regular breaks allows employees time to rest and refocus, helping to reduce accidents and improve overall performance.
Leaders set the tone for workplace behavior. When leadership demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, employees are more likely to follow suit. Conversely, when safety is overlooked at the top, risky behavior can become commonplace. Make preventing accidents and injuries a top priority by modelling and encouraging safe practices every day.
As organizations prepare to welcome the new year, now is the time to reflect on the resolutions that can create a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace.
As organizations look ahead to 2026, workplace safety isn’t just a compliance issue, it’s a reflection of an organization’s values,” said Matt Zender, Senior Vice President of Workers’ Compensation Product Management at AmTrust Financial. “Investing in safer workplaces helps protect employees, control costs, and build more resilient organizations. When safety is a priority, everyone benefits.”
To learn more on how AmTrust can help organizations reach their workplace safety goals in 2026 and beyond, visit AmtrustFinancial.com.
This article was created in partnership with AmTrust.
