Boost Workplace Safety with Effective Employee Incentive Programs

Injuries in the workplace can cost a company a lot of money. Although a company may already have safety procedures in place, there is not a guarantee that employees will follow through with them. Rewarding safety with a prize gives an incentive to workers to strive to be safe at work.

About Incentive Programs

• An incentive program is setting a goal for employees and then rewarding the employees upon reaching the goal. An example of a safety incentive program is to give all employees a paid day off for every 90 days they go without having an accident.

Why It Works

• When there is a tempting incentive in place, everyone wants to achieve the goal. When they want to achieve the goal, they will take time to recognize safety precautions. It will also keep employees accountable for each others' actions.

Theory Behind Incentives

• Safety incentive programs fall under positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the idea that if you reward someone for good behavior, that person will continue to do good behavior.