If workers are adversely affected by their work due to poor quality job design and working conditions, or are injured on the job, there will be an adverse cost to the employer as well as to the individual worker. These adverse costs can be divided into two categories: direct costs and impacts, and indirect costs and impacts.
Direct costs and impacts are the easiest to see and understand. These include the following: medical expenses for emergency room and doctor visits; medical bills; medicines and rehabilitation; workers’ compensation; disruption to business activity; overtime to make up for lost productivity; repair or replacement of damaged materials and/or equipment; and fines, penalties and legal liabilities.