When can you easily communicate safety information to all employees? Why not use the pay stub or, in the case of direct deposit payroll, the summary to include a short safety tip?
Reinforce the notion that workplace safety is the company's number one employee benefit. Simple messages about wearing proper protective gear or maintaining situational awareness remind workers to think safe.
Some suggestions for the safety message:
- X days since our last on-the-job injury. Keep up the good work.
- Case history of a claim that did occur: safety devices used or not, what steps to prevent it in future, result of injuries (lost time, medical expenses), and any new procedures.
- Announce contests or bonus structure for safe operations.
- Reinforce that the company considers safety an important employee benefit.
- Safety tip of the week, pay period, or month. For example: use proper safety glasses and procedures during October eye-safety month.
Use the message to promote safe habits and distribute practical knowledge to all staff.
This idea can also promote proper maintenance. For example, "Let the mechanic know if your backhoe is leaking hydraulic fluid as soon as you notice one drop" might save major repairs later. For additional resources, see Enhancing Workplace Safety Communication.
Do you have divisions or operational units in your company? Promote safety as friendly competition between groups. Maybe the members of the group with the fewest accidents get new 50" flat-screens.
For practical guidance on setting up communication and training programs, consult Workplace Safety Communication and Practices.
Whenever a contest is used to promote safety, give a tangible prize, not money or a meal. That prize will reinforce the safety ethic every time it is seen. Even if the prize is specially logo-ed safety equipment or hard hats, the safety ethic is reinforced.
Positive reinforcement works best. Asking employees to lead healthier lives is less effective than paying for their healthcare or offering an on-site heart-healthy checkup. Health and safety are core ethics of your company.
Punishing poor safety performance does nothing to retrain individuals. Certain behaviors should be non-negotiable aspects of the job. Improper equipment use or refusal to use protective gear or procedures should result in dismissal, because that employee is a danger to everyone.
If you need coverage or have questions about workplace safety programs, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pay stubs to share safety tips with employees?
Yes. Pay stubs and payroll summaries are regular touchpoints that work well for short, consistent safety reminders.
How often should I change the safety tip?
Rotate tips weekly or per pay period to keep messages fresh and relevant without overwhelming staff.
Are contests an effective way to improve safety?
Yes—when paired with visible, non-monetary rewards, contests can reinforce safe behavior and create lasting habits.
What should I do if an employee refuses to follow safety procedures?
Address the behavior promptly with training and progressive discipline; repeated refusal to use required safety gear may justify termination to protect others.