Training: Safety Is A Gas At TECO
TECO Peoples Gas provides natural gas to thousands of customers throughout Florida. While TECO employees make it look easy, their jobs are far from easy – or safe. Custom coins helped the company to raise awareness of safety (and other core company values) – while lowering accidents and workers’ compensation claims. The coins, which are minted with the company’s 5 core values (which include safety), are part of a program to reinforce the importance of thinking and acting safely at all times. The program has shown great success, as preventable accidents dropped by 30 percent and workers’ compensation claims dropped by 75 percent. Due to the lower number of claims, insurance premiums have dropped, thus increasing profits.
TECO North Division manager James Farriss recalls the first coin he handed out. After a brave volunteer correctly recited the 5 core values, he was given a coin.
“You’d have thought that I handed him a million dollars,” recalls Farris. “I went out into the parking lot later that afternoon and saw him talking to some of our utility guys who were about to go out into the field. It was amazing how envious they were. He was actually training them – going over the core values in the parking lot.”
Custom coins have helped to raise awareness of safety at industrial facilities. Whether used as a stand-alone recognition device, coupled with other rewards (like cash), or used within a larger safety incentive program, custom coins are proving to raise the awareness of safe acts and practices while lowering unsafe incidents. Tangible benefits realized by the companies included fewer lost time accidents, fewer workers’ comp claims, and fewer motor vehicle accidents – which correspondingly lowers insurance premiums. Employee benefits included better on-time performance and better morale among others. Custom safety coins are ideal for a wide range of industries including all contract cleaning.
