Perhaps not the most glamorous sector to delve into for promotional products sales experts, items for safety programs, however, are definitively appreciated when needed β and for the comfort of security they provide.
Could businesses just go out to Walmart and stock up on first-aid items? Well, sure. But imagine the impact of the myriad colorful promotional bandage dispensers that can be given to employees β or customers. Especially when you consider how often we tend to nick ourselves or vigorously scratch a bug bite, drawing a bead of blood. Imagine any restaurant or bar establishment, when glasses break β employees will not only use promotional bandages but will bring them home, and stash them in their cars β furthering your client's message.
That's just one example. Safety is a wide net to cast including customizable awards, reminders and safety incentives to recognize employee safety milestones, goals and safety awareness in the workplace.
There is a wide variety of products suitable for the category, including flashlights, pins, first-aid, drinkware, safety snacks, survival kits, hats, T-shirts, tools and more to help your clients conduct successful safety awareness meetings or motivate and reward safe workers.
Safety and health issues cost companies billions of dollars every year in lost wages, productivity, medical costs, insurance administration, etc. You can assist your clients in reducing their expenses by involving employees in a well-designed safety program through education and motivation, both on and off the job using safety awards and incentives.
Helping your clients to create and implement a successful safety training program will raise awareness of safety issues, create a safety attitude, promote teamwork and motivation to ensure workplace safety for employees, vendors and customers. These activities work to build teamwork and motivation. Proactive programs result in achieving goals such as the following: work-hours without recordable accidents, months without lost-time injuries, reduction in workerβs compensation costs, etc. These are the results of a safety program and should not be the main focus. Achieving proactive behavior is the focus of the program and awards should be structured to reward that behavior.
Work with your client to determine realistic goals and objectives, e.g., reduced number of injuries and insurance claims. Host regular incentive meetings where some sort of promotional item is given as reminders. Recognize efforts. "Most safety programs are ongoing and certain milestones should be recognized. While not the main objective of the program, these achievements contribute directly to the bottom line. Ongoing recognition of individuals and groups shows management commitment to employee well-being and the safety program. The value of the reward must match the effort of the achievement. And be consistent β rewards at each level must be perceived as equal, the company advises.
Sarah Sumner of Bay State Specialty Co. says there is another benefit. "Using promotional safety items as a way of spotlighting business, programs, and safety in general, shows that there is concern and care for the individuals who are receiving the promo products. In a strong way, this helps build the relationship a little bit differently."
Bay State's D412 imprintable Safety Cap Outlet Covers are, says Sumner, specifically made for safety. "They protect outlets from objects being accidentally inserted into them, and provides safety from unintended electrical shocks. They also reduce air flow for increased energy efficiency, and, important to all offices, reduces risk of insect infestation.
Bay State also offers flashlight-related items, and its PAL7016 Be Safe Bracelet, which is available in several translucent colors with option for solid light or strobing. Also the PAL7014 Added Safety Reflector Light are good choices for employees who engage in fundraising walks/runs, bike races and dog walking.
Margit Fawbush of BIC Graphic asserts that helping your clients to create and implement a sound, healthy and safe workplace "is an investment that benefits both employers and the organization as a whole. The benefits include increased productivity, retention of staff, reduced absenteeism, reduced benefits costs and more."
She elaborates that no matter the type of business or organization, there always exists a possibility of an accident or health risk β "all work exposes people to hazards. It could be heavy lifting, dangerous machinery, toxic substances, repetitive motion or even stress β to name a few," she points out. Take some time to visit your customers, and also your local businesses and think how such hazards may evidence. Restaurants, auto repair services, utility repair, construction, landscape, office environments, all have unique aspects that may affect personnel, vendor and customer safety.
"Once a safety program is put in place, a key component to its success is employee awareness and ongoing reminders," Fawbush adds. Items such as branded safety gear, e.g., safety vests, goggles, ear plugs (such as BIC Graphic's 15709 Travel Ear Plugs in Case), as well as useful office items with a safety or healthy workplace message will help ensure continued compliance from employees. Further, "departments or business units can create an awards program to celebrate 'no occurrences' for the month or by quarter, and an overall award can be given yearly as well," she offers.
Dave TenEyck of Better Life Line notes that safety awareness programs and attendant promotional products are viewed as extremely valuable by health and home insurance companies. And, he points out, safety often includes health awareness programs, successful implementation of which can save companies a lot of money if employees get important information needed to be safe on the job and healthier. "From eating healthy to reduce BMI to stretching exercises to reduce carpal tunnel wrist injuries the more easily accessible information given out in the work place the better," he says.
Better Life Line's Awareness Guides are available in different formats β Pocket Sliders, Pocket Calendars, Coloring Books, Key Points, Shower Cards and picture books, TenEyck points out. Each Awareness program (such as National Nutrition month, Breast Cancer Awareness, Menβs Health, Fire Safety, National Night Out, and National Safety Month) "has great choices in each format. Many of the health-related products work perfectly for company-sponsored Wellness Programs," he says.
Another growing category is related to personal fitness, says Fawbush, and BIG Graphic will be adding new products to this category in 2016. Currently available is the LED Running Wrist Band (#40943), which improves visibility while running or dog walking at night. Available in red, yellow and blue, each strap illuminates the same colors as the face. Says Fawbush, "In addition to workplace fitness programs, items like the LED running wrist band are great giveaways for charity walks, trainers, walking clubs and more."
Any time of the year is suitable to mention to your clients that you can help them create and implement a strong safety campaign tailored to their businesses. To help galvanize their motivation to enlist you to do just that, scour news headlines about safety issues and workplace accidents, then use social media to broadcast how you can help your clients lessen risks and practice sound safety. This will help you position yourself as an expert and integral team member.
CASE STUDIES
Sarah Sumner, Bay State Specialty Co.: A business providing guided tours across the U.S. selected the Added Safety Reflector Light, a clip-on three-function safety reflector with blink, strobe and light, as part of its welcoming gift package. EXPLORE was printed on the flashlights, along with their emergency number, and website."
Dave TenEyck, Better Life Line: A company wanted to save money with its health insurance provider so it implemented a wellness program that followed the Awareness Calendar of Events, and used our Awareness products branded with their company name on them.