The Economic Impact of Investing in Flame Resistant Fabrics for Businesses

Worker safety is critical in high-risk industrial workplaces, from both a human perspective, but also from an economic one. The level of quality of flame resistant workwear in which you invest can significantly impact a business’s bottom line in either direction. For safety managers and procurement specialists in the industrial safety industry, understanding the economic costs and benefits of your flame resistant garment selection is key to making a decision that appropriately balances all the factors.

Understanding Flame Resistant Fabrics

The flame resistant fabrics with which protective FR garments are made are engineered to resist ignition, and self-extinguish. These features are critical to protecting wearers from severe burns or death in the event of a fire-related incident. With such a necessary and essential function, it’s clear why it’s important to give proper time and consideration to your FR workwear selection.

Economic Benefits of Investing in High-Quality FR Garments

Investing in higher-quality FR garments can cost more on the front-end, but with better quality protection you get:

Reduction in Workplace Injuries and Associated Costs:
Direct Costs: Workplace injuries can lead to significant direct costs for businesses, including medical expenses and workers’ compensation. According to the National Safety Council, the average price of a workplace injury in 2020-2021 was $41,757, with burns listed as a cause of injury with above-average costs in excess of $52,000.

Indirect Costs include lost productivity, training replacement employees, legal fees, and reputational damage. These can be up to four times the cost of direct costs.
Compliance with Safety Regulations:
Avoidance of Fines: Noncompliance with OSHA and NFPA standards can result in substantial fines. OSHA penalties as of January 15, 2024 can be up to $16,131 per violation and willful or repeated violations can be as much as $161,323.

Insurance Premium Reduction: FR garments on their own may not move the needle on insurance costs. However, insurance companies do often offer discounts to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to safety. Complying with standards, including the ones that dictate protective workwear, is part of that.
Improved Employee Productivity and Morale:
Comfort and Mobility: Modern, high-quality FR garments offer enhanced comfort and ease of movement using the latest technologies in moisture management, breathability, and fabric stretch. Comfortable employees are more likely to be more productive, efficient, and safe, and when they feel valued by their organization through top-notch protection, they have higher morale

Reduced Absenteeism: Businesses can reduce absenteeism by preventing injuries with high-quality protective garments, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Durability and Product Lifespan:
Cost-Effectiveness: Higher-quality FR garments offer enhanced durability through advanced features like innovative fiber blends and new tech like Truecolor™ Technology, which improves garment colorfastness. More durable garments require less frequent replacement and stay looking professional for longer, preserving both your budget and your brand.

Total Cost of Ownership: Investing in durable FR garments reduces the total cost of ownership by minimizing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent protection over time.
Enhanced Brand Reputation and Customer Trust:
Commitment to Safety: A company's commitment to worker safety enhances its reputation. Clients and partners are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that prioritize safety.

Competitive Advantage: Companies that invest in FR garments can market themselves as leaders in safety, giving them a competitive advantage in attracting customers and top talent.

Businesses That Rely on FR

Businesses in high-risk industries like the following are dependent upon the protection offered by high-quality FR garments to allow their workers to perform their duties safely.

Oil and Gas Industry:
Hazard Mitigation: Workers in the oil and gas industry may face significant fire hazards. FR fabrics like Tecasafe^® Plus protect against flash fires, reducing the risk of severe injuries and associated costs.
Electrical Utilities:
Arc Flash Protection: Electrical workers are at risk from arc flashes, which can cause severe injuries. FR fabrics, such as Tecasafe^® One, provide critical protection, ensuring compliance with NFPA 70E standards.
Manufacturing and Metalworking:
Fire and Molten Metal Protection: Industries involving welding and metalworking are prone to fire hazards. FR fabrics like Oasis™ and Tuffweld™ protect workers from sparks and molten metal splashes.

Good Protection Is Good Business

Protecting workers isn’t just in your workers’ best interest; it’s good business sense.
Investing in flame resistant garments is both a safety measure and an economic decision. Choosing high-quality FR fabrics provides substantial financial and business benefits, from reducing workplace injuries and associated costs to enhancing brand reputation. Compromising on quality with FR protective workwear is not only compromising on safety, but also risking major financial blows if cheaper protection fails. Putting a little more budget toward FR garments on the front-end will pay dividends in the long run.