Whether you hire drivers through leading transportation staffing services providers or handle your own hiring, having a safety incentive program is beneficial. It actively encourages your team to remain safety-conscious, which can lead to fewer incidents on the road and during the loading and unloading process. 

Ultimately, the results of a safety incentive program typically outweigh the cost dramatically. Here’s a look at how a safety incentive program can benefit your business and some tips to help you get started with yours. 

The Benefits of a Safety Incentive Program

A safety incentive program encourages drivers to remain safety-conscious at all times. Since there’s a clear gain for acting in a safe manner, drivers are less likely to take actions that could lead to injuries. As a result, following safe loading, unloading, and driving procedures becomes the norm, keeping drivers healthier. In turn, your company sees fewer injury-related absences, as well as fewer workers’ compensation claims. 

Additionally, a safety incentive program can help trucking companies avoid other costs. For example, failing to safely secure a load correctly can lead to fines or damage to trucks, both of which create financial burdens for the company. If another party is injured because your driver acted unsafely, you could have court-related expenses to deal with, too. 

Finally, a safety incentive program can boost recruitment and retention. It shows your company values worker safety, which improves your reputation as an employer. Plus, the program could be a differentiator, making your company stand out from others in the area. 

Tips for Creating a Safety Incentive Program

Creating a safety incentive program is usually relatively straightforward. Begin by identifying any issues you’d like to address, such as injury rates for a specific role or relating to a particular piece of equipment. Next, make a list of the safety-oriented actions you want drivers to take while fulfilling their duties, such as completing safety inspections or wearing seat belts. Then, use the information you’ve gathered to develop safety targets that qualify for incentives. 

After that, you need to choose a reward structure. While options like branded apparel or a shout-out in a company publication are often viewed as cost-effective rewards by companies, they won’t necessarily provide drivers with significant value. Instead, consider their on-the-road needs and general preferences to find motivating incentives. 

For example, gift certificates for restaurants on driver routes are a solid choice, as they help drivers get a good meal while on the road. Items or technology that keep them comfortable while traveling – such as a nice cooler, heated mug, or Wi-Fi-enabled tablet they can use for video calls home – are also excellent choices. 

Finally, don’t overlook cash bonuses. Money is almost universally appreciated, and it could provide enough motivation to remain safe to make the financial investment worthwhile. 

  Keep Your Trucks Rolling!

In the end, a safety incentive program is beneficial, both for drivers and employers. If you’re looking for leading transportation staffing services to help you fill vacant positions in Dallas or California with safety-conscious drivers, PTS® wants to hear from you. Contact us today.