Incentive Programs for Safety at Work
By Shannon Chalfant, Staff Writer, Magid
Rewarding for lack of incidents or for improved incident reports can crush your safety culture, as it may cause workers to cover up accidents and encourage others to do the same. So while it's important to remember that you should never reward workers for lack of accidents or lack of reporting, that doesn't mean you can't reward them for working safely!
Here are some ideas for fun and unique worker rewards. Mix and match these options and find out which work best for your team.
The practice of rewarding employees for a low injury rate is not a recommended practice.
Discouraging employees from reporting injuries is strictly prohibited.
Reward-Worthy Safety Practices
Spotting a safety hazard
Fixing a minor safety hazard themselves
Mentoring a new hire
Participating in a PPE wear testing program
Safety Superstars
Safety Incentives for Your Program
Gear for Work & Play
Give PPE that workers can wear on the weekends during their hobbies – like camouflage glasses or t-shirts made with athletic performance materials.
Primo Parking
Upgrade workers to first-class parking for a day or more.
Gift Cards
Give gift cards to a restaurant of the worker’s choice.
Day off Pass
Offer up a paid day off.
Safety Bucks
Allow workers to earn “safety bucks” every time they report or address a safety hazard. At the end of each quarter workers cash in their safety bucks for prizes.
Double Break Time
Double the time of their breaks for a week (or even just a day).
Breakfast on the Boss
Bring in bagels or go all out and cater a hot breakfast.
Work Massage
Arrange for a massage therapist to come to your office for the day and give every recognized employee a chair massage.
Say it with Fruit or Cookies
Send the employee a treat. Have it delivered to their home or in the office.
Lottery Tickets
Give them the chance to win millions, and it only costs you a dollar.
Name it and Claim it
Name a product or award after a stellar employee who invents, suggests or comes up with a new process, product or service.
Team Jerseys
Recognize team players with a team jersey from their favorite sports team. If you want to up the ante, add the worker’s name on the back.
Get the gear to reward workers!
