Implementing a safety incentive program can raise company-wide safety standards and motivate employees to strive for safety success. But before decision makers implement an incentive program, they must ask themselves the following questions:
- What are the program goals?
- What rewards will be offered?
- How will the company benefit by implementing an incentive program?
Answering these questions will clearly demonstrate the win-win characteristics of a successful safety incentive program.
What are the goals?
The main goal of a safety incentive program is to reduce workplace injury and illness rates. Doing so keeps employees healthy as well as keeping workers’ compensation costs in check. However, employers need to do more than focus solely on reducing workplace injuries and illnesses. Predicting potential hazards and providing sufficient training are critical to maintaining low workplace injury and illness rates long-term.
What rewards will be offered?
Choosing an appropriate award will encourage employees to care more and work harder for safety success. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant. The best rewards spotlight successful team members to raise awareness within the team rather than resentment. Generally, cash awards are not recommended as a prize for front line employees, but can be appropriate for managers; perhaps in the form of a year-end bonus if their division has met safety related goals. Consider an award ceremony at a holiday party, gift cards, or even company attire for associates exemplifying safety success.
How will the company benefit by implementing an incentive program?
A successful incentive program will reduce workplace incident rates. Workers compensation can be a huge cost to employers, and stakeholders will be pleased to see this cost reduced. Safety culture will improve, as will the team culture within the organization. A safety incentive program will connect management to front line workers by showing them that the company cares about their safety.
At the end of the day, employees are a company’s most valuable resource. A successful safety incentive program will protect these resources and pay for itself over time, potentially saving employers millions of dollars.
