What Motivates You to Work Safely?

A safety program is of limited value if the program is not supplemented by strategies designed to motivate all employees to allocate the necessary time and resources on safety. Every safety program needs to have well-defined rules and procedures, but have you ever asked yourself what it is that motivates you to work safely?

This can be a very difficult question to answer if you do not take a few minutes to gather your thoughts and remember what is important in your life. Motivation is "something that causes a person to act in a certain way or do a certain thing." If you still can't answer this question, perhaps the answer lies in one or more of the five basic items below: 

1) Money is very important to you. If you disregard the safety rules and procedures, you could become injured and be unable to temporarily or permanently earn your usual income. If you do not follow safety rules, you could be fired for insubordination and your income source would be gone. If you have very expensive tastes or a large family to support, your paycheck is probably very important to you.

2) Recognition and achievement are important to you. Perhaps you are aware that you must comply with safety rules and procedures to be considered for promotions. Maybe you are the type of person who seeks recognition for a job done safely.

3) You have a strong desire not to get hurt and you want to live a long and healthy life. Perhaps your lifestyle includes activities such as jogging, tennis, swimming, skiing, surfing, softball, or basketball. A serious injury at work could temporarily or permanently prevent you from participating in these "non-work" related activities. The fear of getting hurt motivates you to work safely at all times.

4) You are a very good safety leader and "team player." If you are one of these types of people, you will be concerned about the safety of others as much as your own safety. Your concern for the safety of others may motivate you to address safety concerns quickly before a serious accident occurs.

5) You clearly understand the potential disciplinary action that could result if you disregard safety rules and procedures. Perhaps you know of an incident where one of your fellow workers was suspended or fired for a safety violation and you want to avoid having the same thing happen to you.

SUMMARY: Every decision we make and every action we take is motivated by something. If you try to understand what motivates you to work safely, and frequently remind yourself of this motivation, then you will greatly minimize your risk of injury.

IT'S WORTH IT, ISN'T IT?