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The Safety of Work

Ep. 15 Should we give prizes for safety?

Feb 23, 2020
Discover if safety awards genuinely improve workplace safety or if they merely serve as marketing ploys. The conversation dives into behavioral economics and how awards can nudge individuals towards safer practices. Explore the paradox where these recognitions might demotivate high performers while promoting a false sense of security. Learn about the discrepancies in safety award prevalence across industries and the evolving role of safety professionals in balancing safety with broader organizational goals.
35:23

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Safety awards can serve as both a motivator and a potential deterrent, impacting genuine safety practices based on individual perceptions of achievement.
  • Understanding the motivations behind safety awards is crucial, as they can shift focus towards external validation rather than intrinsic safety improvements.

Deep dives

Motivations Behind Safety Awards

Safety awards are prevalent across various industries, often serving as a tool for recognition, marketing, and motivation. Companies may apply for these awards not solely for safety improvements but also to leverage them for external validation of their safety credentials. Internal awards like 'Employee of the Month' also exist, showcasing individual contributions to safety but often with ambiguous underlying motives—whether to improve safety practices or to bolster company image. Understanding the motivations behind these awards is essential, as they can impact organizational behaviors and priorities in safety management.

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