Different Ways to Motivate your Employees for Work Safety

The answer to how to motivate employees for work safety is not so simple. Abraham Maslow devised a hierarchy of needs that tried to communicate the basic concerns and desires of a human being while working. The first need talks about the basic human requirements for survival like food to eat, air to breathe, water to drink.

The second level talks about safety, which is very important. This can help employers motivate employees to stay in the organization for long. Safety here includes both physical safety as well as financial security. Employers benefit by ensuring that employees feel a sense of security. If the employees are concerned about the forthcoming layoffs, they may have trouble concentrating on work. Employees then feel less motivated. Moreover, lack of safety measures such as appropriate safety signs at workplace may lead the employees to believe that their physical security is being compromised. They may start looking for another job and shift if they feel safety and security is not provided for.

Safety level has its importance but it is achieved only if the employee feels safe and secure in the work environment.  The sole responsibility to achieve work safety does not lie on the management but workers too. Employees need to be motivated to look after their own safety and security to strike out a balance of responsibilities.

Different ways that will help motivate employees to increase work safety are-

• All employees should be trained about the safety measures as soon as they join the organization.

• Once training is provided, an instruction manual should be prepared for the employees to explain the meaning of different types of sign boards used in the organization. All employees should be aware of the significance of each safety sign so that accidents can be minimized. For example, employees should be aware of using the Personal Protective Equipment where it is required and a simple sign can be a reminder for that or a simple danger sign can caution against any electrical hazard to help avoid accidents.

• Role-plays should be conducted where two employees or a group of workers can demonstrate what to do during an emergency. Different situations such as a fire breakout, electrical fire, cardiac arrest, first aid etc. can be enacted. This exercise will not only provide important information but also be a fun activity.

• Weekly or monthly sessions can be organized to re-learn safety signs and safety instructions. This will refresh employee’s memories who might forget important safety measures over time.

• A letter of appreciation or some monetary encouragement can be given to those employees who rise to the occasion when an emergency arises. For example, a worker who safely lets his co-workers out of a fire breakout should be awarded and publicly appreciated to increase his/her morale and encourage others to get involved in company’s safety program. Also, a worker who follows the safety rules diligently and without fail can be made employee of the month.

• Attempting to control all activities in the work place without getting input from the employees is one of the biggest mistakes an organization can make. Employees should be involved in designing the safety program since they are the ones exposed to workplace hazards.

Designing an effective safety program and motivating employees about safety awareness will give employees a sense of security and belongingness. A secure and motivated employee will not only then work safely but also work efficiently towards achievements of company’s goals and targets.