Safety Bucks: A Look at Peterson Power's Award-Winning Safety Program
At Peterson Power Systems, safety has become synonymous with savings; a comparison that came into being three years ago with the introduction of the "Safety Bucks" program.
"The Safety Bucks program is one of the best things we've done to enhance safety in our shop. The guys really buy into it," says Ted Fleming, Peterson Power's Service Manager
So what ware Safety Bucks exactly? "They are cash rewards that our techs collect after every quarter if they reach a certain safety goal," explained Fleming. The cash reward? Fifty dollars. Every quarter the accident rate for the shop is recorded and analyzed. If the Safety Performance Index (SPI) is under 4.0%, the technicians get $50 to spend however they choose on Cat part and tools. That can mean up to $200 per year for each technician, but that's not all. If the SPI is under 4.0% for the entire company over all four quarters, General Manager Eric Martin will match that $200 for each tech, bumping up the possible yearly earnings to $400.
Techs like Ron Cawley, a 15-year veteran of the Power Systems truck shop, have saved all of their bucks and have been able to buy high-priced items such as Cat welders and drill guns.
"I really believe in the Safety Bucks. It keeps the shop safe and puts a little extra money in my pocket," says Cawley. Keeping the shop safe is obviously the highest priority of the program, and it has succeeded with flying colors. For the past three years the Power Systems truck shop has had zero accidents, a feat that has been made possible by employees with a collective interest in keeping the shop safe. "We watch each other's backs," says Cawley. "Everybody wants the money and nobody wants to get hurt." The lack of injury in the shop has also worked workers for the company's worker compensation fund. Since the SI is directly related to how much workers compensation is required, Power Systems has reduced its spending in this area substantially, something that Fleming is proud of. "We have plaques on our walls for excellence in safety, our profits are up and our employees are safe and happy. What else could you ask for?" Aside from a little extra vacation time and a winning lotto ticket, not much. |
