Workplace injuries in the U.S. cost a staggering $167 billion in 2022, with lost productivity and medical expenses making up a significant portion of these costs. Companies invest heavily in communicating safety protocols, but are these efforts yielding the intended results?

In industries like manufacturing and energy, frontline workers face the highest exposure to injury, making them both a safety risk and a potential operational bottleneck. These workers make up the largest portion of an organization’s workforce, and their safety and effectiveness are directly influenced by their immediate supervisors. When frontline leaders lack leadership skills, performance falters, communication breaks down, and adherence to safety protocols diminishes—ultimately increasing the likelihood of injury.

Despite their critical role, frontline leaders are often overlooked in leadership development. Many companies unintentionally set up their best operators for failure by promoting them into leadership roles without equipping them with the necessary skills to manage and lead effectively.