Safety programs that aren't just paperwork
The shops with the lowest injury rates also have the lowest turnover. That isn't a coincidence.
Weekly two-minute toolbox talk
Same time every week, two minutes, one topic. Ladders this week, eye protection next week. The shops that actually do this cut incidents dramatically vs the shops with binders that never open.
Report near-misses, not just injuries
Near-misses are free lessons. Create a no-blame way to share them in the huddle. The team that talks about close calls has fewer real ones.
Replace gear before it fails
Worn straps, frayed cords, cracked ladders. Budget a small monthly line for replacement. Cheaper than one ER visit, every time.
Take your version of this question further
This is one operator-tested angle on the question. Your shop, your size, your trade, and your team change the answer. Ask your specific version inside Ask a Shop Owner to get a response grounded in how owners like you actually handled it.