Safety Incentive Plans Developing and implementing a well-designed incentive program

Why is a safety incentive program necessary?  Though safety experts agree that an incentive program alone will not improve safety and health performance, there is proof that a well designed incentive program – with the right mix of program components – can be an integral part of a comprehensive safety initiative.

Basic Rules  Reward the behavior you want to encourage –Injury free –Attendance  This is not an “entitlement” program  Set goals  Create a program which will work for your company

Types of Programs  A company-wide program can be used for all employee participation  Client site-specific programs may also be effective with a focus on clients where safety concerns have been identified  Different types of programs allow you to focus on the efforts and dollars in the locations where they have the most impact

Sample Programs  Cash awards  Safety suggestions programs  Canned programs  Safety Bingo and Safety Jackpots  Lunch for worksites or branch office  Safety drawing  Safety Tip of the Week

Recognizing Safety Behaviors  Introduce the concept of rewarding positive behavior  Watch employees perform assigned task and inspect workstations  Going “Above and Beyond”  Limit the number of awards and set time frames  Put controls in place for each award given  Results should show in the appearance of the facility and the injury frequency

Gift Cards as an Incentive Reward  Choose a gift card that: –Will deliver the level of compliance you want –Will deliver the level of enthusiasm you want –Employees will view as a special reward –Will get employees products they want from a retailer they like

Employee Reaction  Employees should have an increased safety awareness  Create a positive focus on internal goals for safety  Everyone likes to be recognized – why not make it a safety-based incentive?

Using WagePlus as Incentive  Designed to promote an attitude of safety awareness along employees at the front line of exposure  Employees exhibiting positive behavior and interest in safety could be rewarded with an incremental raise in hourly wage –Remains in effect and/or increased provided the employee meets the established criteria

Program Criteria  Attendance  Accident/Injury Performance  Safety Training  If the employee meets all of the criteria, a wage increase of X will be awarded

Continuation  Employees granted a WagePlus increase will be evaluated at X day intervals  No unexcused absences  No work-related injuries  No property damage incidents  2 hours of safety training pertaining to job  Failure to maintain the criteria would result in a return to the standard pay rate

Summary  Well thought out programs will be easy to administer, cost efficient, and promote the safety culture of your company  The presentation and participation makes incentive and awards programs “winners”  Incentive programs are effective tools for the reduction of workplace injuries and safety infractions  Maintains a high level of increased safety awareness  Reinforces the positive behaviors