Rethinking the role of insurers in industrial safety

Abstract

Investment in safety plays a key role, not only in productivity and quality of companies, but also in the defense of citizens' social rights. Companies are subject to risks, especially those of an industrial nature. Throughout history several attempts have been made to eliminate hazards or reduce the negative effects of risks. One way to mitigate it is through insurance. The investment in safety is also evident with the insurance subscribed. Insurance is an effective prevention tool not only in the company but also in the insurer because it imposes measures that tend to go beyond legal obligations to control the possible consequences of an accident. Hence it is argued that it is vital that insurers play a more intervening role and therefore be a source of motivation for Portuguese industry to be much more fulfilling. The text will explore this view, arguing its importance and social value.