Calculating the Economic-Value added Return on Investment in Healthy, Safety, and Happy Workplace Project

Abstract

 This study aimed to evaluate the economic cost-effectiveness of the “Healthy, Safety, and Happy Workplace” project. The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive study, with purposive selection of workplaces participating in the project. Data were collected through online meetings. The target group included safety officers or human resource staff. A questionnaire, developed and validated by five experts, achieved a content validity index ranging from 0.80 to 1.00. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean. Additionally, the study evaluated the value of program outcomes in terms of risk reduction and examined the relationship between economic costs and benefits using the Return on Health, Safety, and Environment Investment equation. The results revealed that 27 workplaces participated in the study, with data obtained from 18 establishments comprising 6,511 employees. Most employees (1,662 or 25.53%) held high vocational certificate. Seven workplaces reported workdays lost due to injuries
or illnesses data. Before participating in the project, the average number of lost workdays was 47.71, which decreased to 9 days after the project-a reduction of 38.71 days on average. The average cost of injuries decreased by 26,945.14 THB per year, while the average annual operational cost of the project was 16,667 THB. Of 22 workplaces, the costs of managing non-communicable diseases were calculated using outpatient service cost for working populations. Before joining the project, the average cost was 49,751 THB, which decreased by 5,124 THB after participation. This resulted in a net saving of 10,278 THB, derived from subtracting the reduced costs of injuries and illnesses (26,945.14 THB) from the project’s operational costs (16,667 THB). During the project, workplaces also implemented other standards, leading to a 48% reduction in assembly time per unit and an average 6% improvement in machinery maintenance efficiency. In conclusion, participation in the “Healthy, Safety, and Happy Workplace” project can reduce costs associated with work absences due to injuries and medical expenses for non-communicable diseases (such as gout and obesity)