In Part I of this 2-part series, we discussed commonly used strategies that may be used to target Reduction of Frequency.  Specifically; how health and safety management software has encouraged many organizations to refocus and rededicate their current-state EHS training management system.  Also, continuous improvement efforts have greatly enhanced traditional approaches with the digitization of behavior-based safety software applications.  All of these are significant contributors on the path of frequency reduction – but a focus on severity reduction may be approached in an entirely different manner.    

Reduction of severity is sometimes not immediately clear and may broaden as time goes by.  Severity, in a common application is simply used as a basic reference when discussing severe injuries that lead to unusually high medical costs.  However; given the far reaches of social media, Image or Brand-reputation damage is a very credible threat that could lead to loss of business opportunities and/or revenue; regulatory scrutiny and associated fines; and exorbitant legal costs.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the deep-reaching impact of a workplace fatality.  Remember that TRIR mentioned in Part I?  Well… now that comes into play and affects Workers Compensation insurance ratings and your Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which are used by insurance companies to gauge both past costs of injuries and future risk exposure.  The lower the EMR of your business, the lower your worker compensation insurance premiums may be based on lower risk.  Simply put – a business’ direct ability to earn revenue and its ability to operate at lower cost levels than its’ competitors are directly threatened!  From a business resilience perspective, this severity issue has gained the attention of the senior executives and must be the established priority of all efforts!