Motivation Methods: From Experiment to a Systematic Approach

From Punishments to Positive Motivation: How to Change Attitudes Toward HSE

For a long time, the HSE field was dominated by an approach based on disciplinary actions. Reprimands, warnings, and bonus deprivations were widely used, but over time, their effectiveness came into question. In her presentation, Ekaterina Bespalova, Head of the HSE Department at Saratov Reservoir Plant LLC, shares her experience of transitioning from a punishment system to positive motivation. The speaker explains why the "stick" method stopped working and how they managed to engage employees in safety issues through game formats and systematic rewards.

Review Competition as an Engagement Tool

The first step toward changing the safety culture was holding an HSE review competition. This event, timed to coincide with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, made it possible not only to test employees' knowledge but also to change their attitude toward the HSE department. The competition consisted of several stages:

• "Find the Violation" — searching for hidden violations on posters depicting work processes. This develops attentiveness and the ability to notice hazards in daily work.
• "Industrial First Aid Kit" — finding unnecessary items in a first aid kit. The task is aimed at knowing the contents of the kit and readiness to provide first aid.
• "Erudite" — testing theoretical knowledge of HSE.
• "Choose PPE" — a practical task on selecting and correctly using personal protective equipment for specific types of work.
• "Emergency Actions" — a spectacular relay race with a simulated fire and first aid provided to a mock victim. This stage allows practicing skills for critical situations in conditions close to reality.

The speaker demonstrates by example that such events not only increase the level of knowledge but also build team spirit, healthy competition, and a positive perception of safety issues.

Systematic Approach: Evaluating the Best Employees

One-off events, such as a review competition, provide a good boost, but a systematic approach is needed for a long-term effect. The presentation details the transition to evaluating the best HSE employees at the end of the year. The peculiarity of this approach is that not every employee is evaluated individually, but rather a group (brigade). This stimulates mutual assistance, responsibility for each other, and forms a safety culture at the level of small teams.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• Why the system of punishments for HSE violations is losing its effectiveness?
• How to organize and conduct an HSE review competition at a manufacturing enterprise?
• What stages and tasks can be included in the competition for maximum employee engagement?
• How to implement a system for evaluating and rewarding the best employees (brigades) at the end of the year?
• What pitfalls and difficulties may arise when organizing such events and how to avoid them?