This is a topic on MBA.com website. Here I would take the "would" in the start to mean that its an assumption that comapanies will agree to this and not a fact. But the official essay does not mention this point at all."Most companies would agree that as the risk of physical injury occurring on the job increases, the wages paid to employees should also increase. Hence it makes financial sense for employers to make the workplace safer: they could thus reduce their payroll expenses and save money."
What is your choice ? Do you think its an assumption or just a style.
