Please note: the following content was developed for educational purposes only and covers a wide variety of general workplace safety concerns and considerations, some not relevant to workers’ compensation or commercial auto coverage.
As insurance agents, you’re in a unique position to do more than provide coverage. You can be a trusted partner in helping your small business clients reduce risks, protect their people, and avoid costly claims. One area where this impact is especially clear is workplace safety.
According to the 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report from Pie Insurance, half of all workplace injuries reported in the past year may have been preventable. That means injuries, along with the downtime, stress, and potential financial burden that accompany them, could have been avoided with the right planning, training, and resources.
With June marking National Safety Month, now is the perfect time to raise awareness with your small business clients about injury prevention and equip them with actionable strategies. This article provides the talking points, insights, and safety tips you need to guide your clients toward a safer work environment while positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and proactive insurance advisor.
For small business owners, workplace safety can take a back seat to more immediate concerns like payroll, staffing, or customer service. However, neglecting workplace safety can come at a significant financial cost. According to survey findings, if small businesses were able to prevent just half of workplace injuries, they could save an average of $10,000 or more annually in out-of-pocket expenses related to workers’ compensation, medical care, and legal fees.
However, the cost of neglecting safety can be steep. The average cost of a workplace injury can exceed $10,000, once medical bills, lost productivity, and higher workers’ compensation premiums are considered.
More importantly, workplace injuries can affect employee morale, trust, and the overall health of a company’s culture. Employees who feel unsafe or unsupported are more likely to leave or disengage. For small businesses, where each team member plays a critical role, this disruption could have serious consequences.
By reducing preventable injuries, businesses can potentially lower their insurance costs and avoid claims, as well as improve retention, performance, and peace of mind.
Workplace safety is more than a regulatory concern, it’s a key part of running a stable, resilient business. For small businesses in particular, even one injury can lead to major disruptions and unexpected expenses. That’s why Pie Insurance’s 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report offers timely insights into the evolving risks small businesses face and the strategies they’re using to stay ahead of them.
The report, based on a national survey of over 1,000 U.S. small business decision-makers, reveals that workplace injuries remain both common and, in many cases, preventable.
Here are a few of the report’s most important findings:
These findings point to a clear takeaway: many workplace injuries can be prevented with smarter planning, better tools, and a more proactive safety culture. By helping clients understand the data and apply it to their own operations, agents can play a pivotal role in improving outcomes and reducing claims.
The types of injuries that show up most frequently, and are most often preventable, include:
Helping clients recognize these common risks is the first step toward preventing them.
Improving workplace safety does not require a major overhaul. Many improvements come down to consistency, communication, and accountability. Encourage your clients to consider the following best practices.
1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits
Safety audits help identify hazards before they result in injury. Clients should walk through their workplaces regularly to check for risks such as exposed wires, slippery floors, or malfunctioning equipment. It is also important to review training records and update any outdated procedures. All findings should be documented and followed up with appropriate action.
2. Provide Ongoing and Engaging Safety Training
Training should not be a one-time event. Regular sessions keep safety front and center and allow businesses to update employees on new procedures or risks. Encourage clients to tailor training sessions to different job roles and make them interactive using quizzes, demonstrations, or real-life examples to keep employees engaged.
3. Ensure Proper Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Inadequate equipment or missing PPE creates serious risks. Your clients should make sure that all tools and machines are functioning properly and that employees have access to and know how to use their protective gear. Clients should replace damaged gear promptly and consistently enforce PPE usage.
4. Establish Clear Safety Protocols and Accountability
A workplace without clear, consistent rules is more prone to accidents. Encourage your clients to document all safety procedures and ensure that these are visible and understood by every employee. Assigning safety leaders or team coordinators can also help reinforce accountability and create a stronger safety culture.
5. Support Employee Mental Health and Well-Being
Fatigue, burnout, and stress are major contributors to workplace accidents. Businesses should consider offering employee assistance programs, flexible scheduling, and wellness initiatives to support both physical and mental health. Encouraging open communication between employees and management also helps prevent issues from escalating.
As an insurance agent, your role goes far beyond selling policies. You are also a consultant, educator, and advocate for proactive risk management. By leveraging the data and insights from the 2025 Workplace Safety Report, you can help clients better understand their risks and take meaningful action to reduce them.
Here are a few ways to provide added value during National Safety Month and throughout the year:
For clients with vehicles on the road, commercial auto insurance is an essential part of their risk profile. Here are a few ways they can promote vehicle safety and reduce the likelihood of claims:
Accidents involving business vehicles can be among the most expensive claims. Many of them may be preventable with proper oversight and training.
Helping small businesses reduce their risk of injury is not just about compliance or managing costs. It is about building stronger, more resilient companies. A safe workplace attracts better employees, increases productivity, and fosters a culture of responsibility and trust.
For insurance agents, it is also an opportunity to strengthen client relationships and provide lasting value. By initiating conversations about safety, sharing resources, and guiding clients through actionable changes, you reinforce your role as a partner in their success.
This National Safety Month is a great opportunity to start meaningful conversations with your clients. Share the findings from the 2025 Workplace Safety Report, distribute helpful tools and safety checklists, and encourage a renewed focus on injury prevention.
You can also share this article with your network to raise awareness and promote safer workplace practices. When small businesses thrive, communities thrive. And it all starts with keeping people safe on the job.
Let’s help small businesses stay protected, productive, and prepared—every day of the year.
Thanks for reading! This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not imply coverage under workers’ compensation or other insurance offered through Pie Insurance Services, Inc. Please consult an agent or attorney for any questions regarding applicability of insurance coverage in all circumstances.
Any mention of cost throughout the report is based on answers from respondents being asked how much their business spent on workers’ compensation or commercial auto insurance, medical expenses, and/or legal costs related to workplace or commercial vehicle accidents in the past year.
