Safety Incentives

System · September 2001

Our company is looking for ideas to promote safety in the workplace. We've had Safety Lotto in the past, and it was popular. However, we are also concerned that such incentives encourage employees to not report accidents if it will disqualify them from an ongoing incentive program. I would like to know what some of you guys think of such programs. Would also appreciate suggestions for motivating employees in this area. Thanks!!!

Mike Maslanka · September 2001

hi from dallas...texas courts have continued to say that any program that encourages an employee not to report an on the job injury(such as giving them a dollar award)can be considered evidence against you in a suit where an employee claims you fired her or discriminated against her for filing a claim...i know it makes no sense but texas courts--especially in the valley---love to tag employers on this score...you are much off training employees in how to avoid acidents and perhaps rating supervisors on how well they train employees in safe working methods...a program giving employees money for accident free days has little in it for you in increasing morale and a lot of downside in a retaliation suit...mike maslanka,214-659-4668

Theresa Gegen TX · September 2001

I agree with Mike. There are lots of Texas cases that talk about how "safety incentives" (bonus pay for no accidents) show that the employer is discouraging workers' compensation claims and retaliates against employees who file such claims.

The only type of "safety incentive" program that might work is a program that for example, gives employees a prize for answering questions on a safey quiz correctly, or encourages employees to attend classes involving safety.

Good Luck!!!

System · September 2001

Thanks to both of you - for the advice AND the suggestions! I like the idea of the safety quizzes - it still gives us SOMETHING to reward which seems to be pretty important to management here. Does anyone have such a program in place already? Have you found it to be effective part of your safety program? Is it well-received by the employees?

System · September 2001

There's another discussion on this topic over in the Employment Law area, with a subject line "Safety Incentive Program"
[url]http://www.hrhero.com/employersforum/DCForumID14/439.html#[/url]

James Sokolowski
Senior Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers

KarenTN · September 2001

Having tried the incentive programs (safety bingo, etc.) with only short term success, we changed our approach. We developed a program promoting accident prevention. Rewards go to our front line supervisors. They are responsible for implementing and administering the program in their departments. The program, developed by the HR department, involves requirements for monthly safety meetings, housekeeping inspections, job hazard analysis, accident investigations, etc. The supervisor must fulfull the requirements of the plan to qualify for his incentive. The incentive is not tied to number of lost days or injuries. Because we recognize the supervisors often forget to make time for safety, the HR department provides them with a schedule, meeting materials, and any additional support they may request. This assures at least some quality to the information being presented in the meetings. To keep our employees interested, we have door prize drawings at our meetings, some meetings include breakfast or lunch, the afternoon matinee featuring Lock Out Tag Out includes a bag of popcorn and a soft drink. Candybars on Friday say "Thanks for a safe workweek". Maybe it's luck, but the result has been fewer and less severe accidents.

Jeannie · October 2001

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Safety Incentives

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