DES PLANES, ILL.—A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia had some good news: U.S. producers are increasing shares in the international market and have shown the best numbers since September.

“U.S. manufacturers are doing a good job competing internationally,” said Rockline Industries’ safety manager, Michael Coleman.

The improvement could be a result of constant focus on safety in the workplace, noted Coleman, who is also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). “Not only does their bottom line benefit, but their company reputation stays intact, employees stay safe and healthy reducing health care, workers comp, training and turnover costs not to mention keeping customers, their community, vendors and employees happy.”

In the choppy waters of the current economy, many businesses are cutting costs in areas like healthcare and training, but maintaining these programs may just be what has kept the U.S. manufacturing sector afloat. “The most successful companies in the long term also have the strongest safety performance,” Coleman concluded.