J.J. Kirlin has used a coin system in different ways, Campbell said. In one variation, each employee is given a coin for working safely for one month, with no injuries or violations. Or, each project is given X-amount of coins for working a crew safely for the month; a name is drawn from a worker list and the coins are given to the worker whose name is drawn. "Always try something different and new."

"Don't just name your star employees," he added. "That will send a program down the tubes." Create a rule that if an employee received it one year, the same person can't win it the next time.

As for prizes, "Give them something they are all gonna want." It could be a trip for two to a destination like Las Vegas, a large-screen TV, or gift certificates to a store of their choosing (dollar amount set by the owner). "Gear down your prizes to match your budget."

When you present the reward, "Make sure you do it in front of everybody else," Campbell said. The recognition is as much a part of the reward as the actual prize. It also encourages other employees to strive to win it next time.

Safety awards can also be given at any unscheduled time to honor an employee whose safe work practices made a difference.

Campbell recalled a Kirlin employee who was wearing safety glasses when a fireproofing line ruptured. "Your face will heal," Campbell said. "Your eyes won't." The glasses saved this employee's eyesight and career.

Running a safety program may sound costly or time consuming, but it's truly cost effective.

"If you work safely, your productivity goes up," Campbell stated. "A lot of people say, ‘Ah, that's bull crap.' But it's true."

The Stick

Arriving late or leaving early from work, for example, can be a sign of something else going on (personal problems, substance abuse, or job dissatisfaction).

Disciplinary actions can include the following:

Above all, make sure to use actions as well as words. "Don't be the contractor who writes people up but you don't do anything," said Campbell.

When it comes to safety infractions, "Send a note home to the family," he suggested. Getting families involved can help remind employees that they are protecting themselves for their families, not just for the company. Have children come up with safety pictures for a company safety calendar or coloring contest, Campbell suggested.

Safety glasses are critical for service techs, but they need to be convenient to use, said Charlie Campbell, who recommends that employees be allowed to choose the style they prefer.

Personal Protection

Let them know when and how to use it, he said. "Just because you're in the service industry, it doesn't mean you don't wear a hard hat," he pointed out. It depends on where the service is being performed.

Require that safety glasses are worn as soon as the service person gets into the van, and are not taken off until they come in again. Let them choose the style they like so they don't feel like they are wearing something ugly.

Want to boost safety glass compliance up to 80 percent?

"Put patches on employees' eyes and put them in a safe, dark room," Campbell said. It shows them what it's like to be blind. Or get an injured employee to speak to other employees - not as a punishment but as a way to help others. "One of the best uses of an injury is as a training aid," he said, "but make sure you don't embarrass the employee."

What about the driver's safety? You could get a toll-free number for people to report reckless driving (but beware of vengeful exes). For any traffic incident, minor as well as major, run a drug test. Campbell said their union agrees to this.

Cell phone use? Use hands-free only. "We provide Nextels for everybody," he said. "We prefer that they don't try to talk and drive at the same time. Put sign-age in the vehicle and you, the employer, are protected."

Finally, "Address problems you see on the job, but follow the rules yourself."

In Case Of Injury

In addition to employees feeling needed, "It also keeps insurance down, affects the modification rate, and can even reduce medical costs." Campbell contends that employees "heal faster" when they return on modified duty.

Make sure these employees know what you require in their temporary position, he added. Stress that they are an asset to your company, and be flexible. "Most guys don't want to sit at home collecting workers' comp."

In service work, Campbell conceded that light-duty field opportunities can be limited. Service employees can do some office work for their modified-duty time.

"For some guys, it's a hell of a cure," he said. They get new respect for people in the office, knowledge of what goes into paperwork, and how their regular job affects the office. They also can't wait to get back out of the office.

"Safety, productivity, and profitability go hand in hand," Campbell said. Poor safety practices bring everything else down.

Sidebar: Service Safety

Here is the million-dollar answer from Charlie Campbell: No. There are no OSHA regulations for the service industry. "The safety officer for the service tech on the job is the service tech himself," Campbell said.

He advised service contractors to create method sheets for service procedures that include safety instructions. Have your service employees develop the sheets; they will be more likely to abide by something they had a hand in creating.

Make sure safety procedures list personal protective equipment, particularly clothing that helps ground the technician. "Some air conditioning units need troubleshooting done when the unit is hot," Campbell said. "The technician needs protection."

While it is ideal to have a safety officer on staff, "If you can't afford a safety officer, you need to get involved with a group to help you out," Campbell said. Train your people to be their own safety officers.

- B. Checket-Hanks

Publication date: 01/24/2005