MODULE 3: EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT

Recognition is more a factor of leadership than management

In each of the above examples, the supervisor, not the safety committee is recognizing the rewarding workers. The most effective safety incentive and recognition systems are designed such that recognition and reward opportunities are maximized for line supervisors and managers, not safety committees. (I encourage safety committees to get out of the recognition process, if they can, so that supervisors and managers get involved.)

Why promote supervisor and manager involvement? Because when line supervisors and managers promptly recognize in a sincere, spontaneously manner, workers perceive the "act" as leadership. Consequently, the working relationship between labor and management improves. That's an outcome we all want.

Why should the safety committee remain in the background? When safety committees recognize, it's perceived more as a policy-driven management process. Safety committees want to maximize these opportunities for supervisors and managers who are responsible for "doing" safety.