Positive Strokes Lead to Safer Folks
- By Eileen Dedrick Torok, Peggy Carter-Ward
- Jan 01, 2004
A little extra motivation is helpful. Try an incentive program to boost your training efforts.
ARE you looking for a way to increase employee involvement in safety activities and training? Incentive programs can motivate employees to follow safety-related rules, complete required or recommended training, or participate in safety-related activities such as safety committees.
Of course, it is important to note that employees have a responsibility to conduct themselves according to your organization's policies and procedures, whether or not an incentive program is in place. However, often there are situations where a little extra motivation is helpful. Employees generally realize safety is important but sometimes fail to make time for safety-related activities unless they are required.
Today's busy employees need encouragement to volunteer for optional safety tasks that fall outside their core responsibilities. An extra "nudge" also can be helpful when introducing computer-based training that requires employees to develop new habits and be more self-directed than traditional training methods. In these situations and many more, an incentive program can be an effective way to focus attention on safety and show recognition and appreciation for safety-related efforts. Implementing a safety incentive program need not be a cumbersome chore. Rather than "re-invent the wheel," you may find it useful to incorporate ideas from another organization.
Contests and Awards
Both contests and awards can be used in incentive programs. Contests are one-time awards programs that may be based on a safety statistic such as lost-time injuries or timely completion of a safety training module. Safety awards programs typically are ongoing. They can recognize a single item or involve a multi-factor scoring system for activities such as safety meeting attendance, participation in safety audits, conducting ergonomics assessments, or submitting safety suggestions. Awards and contests may be based on the participation of individual employees, departments, or the entire organization.
While a wide range of cash, gifts, or other incentives is available, award items must be chosen carefully if they are to have the desired motivating effect within your organization's culture. If cash or savings bonds are awarded, what amount is most appropriate? Would merchandise that features the company logo build team spirit while also enhancing safety? If gift items are awarded, how many options should be offered to appeal to the diverse interests of your workforce? Of course, budget is another important factor in designing an awards program. In a recent survey, three out of four respondents stated the average gift was less than $100. The most popular gifts were music, travel, office items/electronics, and food/liquor. ("The 2003 Business Gifts FACTS Report." Incentive, August 2003: p. 24.)
An incentive program must be designed carefully to focus attention on improving health and safety--not on the payout. For example, an incentive program should not encourage employees to cover up injuries to avoid the loss of an award. Timing of an incentive program is also an important consideration. When incentives are announced as an integral part of a "new safety and health program," the payout can become the primary item of interest, rather than a safer workplace.
Some organizations first get a basic safety program into place and allow time for safety to become part of the workplace culture. After a year or two of experience with the safety program and the achievement of positive results, they announce a plan to recognize successes and encourage continued focus on safety.
A Safety Incentive Program in Action
A mid-sized high-tech materials and technology company is currently engaged in a pilot program to introduce, evaluate, and fine-tune a comprehensive safety incentive program. The program grew from a suggestion by a safety manager who had previous experience with an incentive program in an elementary school setting.
The company's Safety Team built upon the suggestion and developed a detailed master plan that encouraged participation in safety-related activities by awarding points for 10 types of activities:
1. Successfully completing an online training class.
2. Attending a monthly safety meeting.
3. Participating in a safety audit.
4. Attending a Safety Team meeting.
5. Participating in second party safety audits.
6. Submitting original, valid safety suggestions.
7. Developing or providing area-specific safety training.
8. Participating in a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR).
9. Participating in a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA).
10. Other safety-related activities.
Points can be redeemed for gift certificates from a variety of popular businesses on an annual basis.
This article originally appeared in the January 2004 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.