Occupational Health Economics

The Occupational Health Economics investigates how investments in a good working environment affect both individual businesses and the society as a whole. When there is not sufficient focus on occupational health and safety, the costs can be high – for example, in terms of lost production, sickness absence, early retirement, and increased healthcare expenditure. At the same time, the initiatives and monitoring needed to support a healthy working environment also require resources. The key question, therefore, is: What creates the greatest value for companies and for society at the lowest costs?

Since 2022, NFA’s research area in Occupational Health Economics has focused on providing relevant answers through economic evaluations and impact assessments of occupational health and safety initiatives. This research provides knowledge that enables resources to be targeted where they create the greatest value, in terms of fewer accidents and illnesses, improved well being, and higher productivity.

In addition, NFA plays an important role in the international development of methods to assess the economic aspects of occupational health and safety. In this way, the research contributes not only to strengthening the evidence base for decision-making in Denmark, but also to advancing Occupational Health Economics as a research field globally.

Read a summary of NFA’s research programme on Occupational Health Economics.