Rewards & Incentives to Promote Worker Safety


By Shannon Chalfant, Staff Writer, Magid


Rewarding workers for wearing the right PPE is a great way to keep safety top of mind. But you don’t have to stop there! Some safety managers are taking safety programs a step further by offering rewards for going above and beyond the basics.

Here are some ideas for fun and unique worker rewards. Mix and match these options and find out which work best for your safety culture.

  The practice of rewarding employees for a low injury rate is not a recommended practice.

Discouraging employees from reporting injuries is strictly prohibited.

Safety Recognition Ideas

Spotting a safety hazard

Fixing a minor safety hazard themselves

Mentoring a new hire

Participating in a PPE wear testing program

Safety Superstars

Types of Safety Incentives & Rewards

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 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.

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!