Safety Incentive Programs in the Manufacturing Industry

Running head: SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

Safety Incentive Programs in the Manufacturing Industry

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A Paper

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Table of Contents

Running head: SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS…………………………………………….1

Abstract............................................................................................................................................3

Introduction......................................................................................................................................4

Safety Incentive Programs ...……………………………………………………………………...4

What is a Safety Incentive Program…………………………………………………….....4

What is the Make-up of a Safety Incentive Program?.........................................................4

Controversy of Safety Incentive Programs………………………………………………………..5

Traditional Program……………………………………………………………………….5

Pros………………………………………………………………………………..5

Cons…………………………………………………………………………….....6

Non-Traditional Program……………………………………………………………….....6

Pros………………………………………………………………………………..7

Cons…………………………………………………………………………….....7

OSHA’s Perspective on Safety Incentive Programs………………………………………………7

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………...8

References......................................................................................................................................10

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of safety incentive programs, in the manufacturing industry, on injuries in the workplace. Safety professionals have argued over the value of incentives and incentive programs for years. Done right, safety incentive programs recognize employees for improved performance as well as motivate workers to maintain safe work habits. Safety incentive programs are the most widely used approach to motivate employees to improve their safe work habits and reduce injuries in the workplace. A majority of U.S. companies use some sort of safety incentive and believe it is an important element of their safety and health program. There are basically two types of safety incentive programs used in manufacturing today; traditional and nontraditional. A traditional safety incentive program rewards employees based on numbers such as recordable injuries or restricted duty and lost-time injuries. Nontraditional safety incentive programs reward employees for much more than the number of accidents reported. There is, however, and always will be a controversy between proponents of the traditional programs versus proponents of nontraditional programs. At this time OSHA does not regulate safety incentive programs. Finally, this paper will conclude with a determination of how effective safety incentive programs can be or how detrimental they can be to a safety and health program.

Introduction

Safety incentive programs have been a traditional part of many safety programs. Most safety incentive programs are based on a reduction or elimination of injuries or accidents. Safety professionals have argued over the value of incentives and incentive