This article takes a look at how a safety incentive program can be integrated into traditional strategies to achieve safety success. Ergonomics, as you probably have learned, is the science of designing the workplace to fit the capabilities of workers. Each workstation is structured to be consistent with the unique mental, physical, and emotional limitations of the operator assigned to that station. This is either a formal or informal attempt to bring about desired behavioral changes, or at least to modify behavior traits, and to promote safe performances and attitudes. Education normally follows engineering or ergonomic controls, but in fact it compliments those efforts.
Education is really a never-ending effort to upgrade all employees' safety performances.
The focus here is on achieving compliance as mandated by various regulatory agencies, and as expected by top management. Typical methods range from mild reprisals to terminating reprimands. The ultimate goal is zero recordable injuries and illnesses. Managers must commit credible and sufficient resources to any incentive program. The road to results begins with resources.