As the year winds down, it’s a great time to pause and ensure your workplace is set up for a safe, productive, and compliant 2026. Many businesses this year have been navigating increased performance demands, staffing challenges, and rapid technological changes.  These shifts can be exciting, but they can also unintentionally divert attention away from day-to-day safety practices. 

At ICW Group, we’ve seen firsthand how strong year-end housekeeping can reduce injuries, lower claim costs, and build a healthier, more resilient workforce. Here’s how you can close out the year with confidence and set the stage for success in 2026. 

Why Safety Culture Matters Now More Than Ever 

Workplace expectations will continue to rise next year, but safety should remain constant. High workloads, new equipment, and fast-paced operations can increase fatigue, and distractions and inconsistent work practices can be key contributors to work injuries. 

A strong safety culture helps keep teams grounded during periods of change. When employees feel comfortable reporting hazards, asking questions, and participating in solutions, organizations see meaningful improvements across their operations. Injury rates decline, morale and retention rise, and day-to-day work becomes more consistent, all of which contribute to stronger compensation outcomes. 

Set SMART Safety Goals for 2026 

Using the SMART framework ensures your goals stay clear and actionable: 

  • Specific: Identify the risk or process to improve. 
  • Measurable: Define how progress will be tracked. 
  • Attainable: Keep goals realistic for your team size and resources. 
  • Relevant: Align goals with your operational priorities. 
  • Time-bound: Establish timelines to maintain momentum and accountability. 

SMART goals help keep safety visible year-round—something we consistently see in companies with lower injury rates and stronger return-to-work outcomes. 

Key Areas to Focus on as You Prepare for 2026 

Use your year-end review to set goals that support a safer workplace and help reduce potential claim exposure. Here are four areas we encourage ICW Group policyholders to consider: 

  1. Reducing Injuries and Claims
  • Target a specific reduction in injury frequency rates or TRIR. 
  • Set goals for zero lost-time injuries over a defined period. 
  • Encourage employees to report near misses to spot trends early. 
  1. Improving Hazard Identification and Control
  • Refresh employees on how to identify hazards and use proper signage. 
  • Track reported hazards and ensure timely corrective actions. 
  • Reevaluate equipment, tools, PPE, and workstations for ergonomic or mechanical risks. 
  1. Supporting Employee Health and Well-Being
  • Reinforce programs that address stress, fatigue, and mental health. 
  • Review absenteeism trends for potential underlying safety issues. 
  • Share reminders on safe lifting, stretching, heat-illness prevention, and other injury-prevention basics. 
  1. Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
  • Monitor your internal audit results and address gaps. 
  • Ensure training, documentation, and recordkeeping are up to date. 
  • Verify compliance with OSHA/Cal-OSHA, environmental rules, and industry-specific requirements. 

Build Resilience — Not Just Metrics 

Numbers matter, but resilience is what carries your organization through busy seasons, staffing shifts, or operational changes. Consider setting qualitative goals that strengthen your safety culture, such as: 

  • Boosting engagement in safety meetings or committees 
  • Encouraging open, judgment-free reporting 
  • Reinforcing teamwork during higher-risk tasks 
  • Recognizing employees for proactive safety actions 

These long-term behaviors support stronger claims outcomes and help keep your workforce healthy and productive. 

The Last Word 

Closing out 2025 with intentional safety housekeeping sets a strong foundation for the year ahead. With thoughtful planning, proactive hazard control, and a commitment to employee well-being, you can reduce risk, maintain compliance, and protect your most valuable resource—your people. 

As your workers’ comp carrier, ICW Group is here to support you. Whether you want help reviewing your safety program, developing 2026 goals, or identifying next steps for your industry, ICW Group’s Risk Management Services team has the tools and resources you need.