Taking Safety to the Next Level, with Gamification and More

Taking Safety to the Next Level, with Gamification and More How heavy transportation manufacturer EnTrans transformed its safety culture across 11 plants in six countries. Karen Czor | Oct 15, 2018 EnTrans International is the parent company of Heil Trailer, Polar Tank Trailer, Polar Service Centers, Kalyn Siebert, SERVA and Jarco. Our company experienced rapid growth over the last few years and now operates 11 manufacturing facilities and 28 service centers in six countries.

As brands and locations were added to our portfolio, EnTrans was faced with the challenge of creating a consistent culture of safety that aligned our entire network. While we had a safety program in place, it lacked engagement by operations personnel. Facilities were in a reactive mode rather than taking proactive measures to address safety risks.

Determined to develop a more effective safety program, our Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team conducted employee interviews and surveys to identify personal attitudes about safety. The team also researched behavior-based safety tools and error reduction programs that could help EnTrans become more proactive. A review of current metrics and data reporting found only lagging indicators were being measured, such as injuries. Leading indicators—such as training, internal auditing and the implementation of behavior-based tools—also needed to be measured.

Using the research results, a company-wide safety program called Safety Matters was developed. According to Jake Radish, president of Kalyn Siebert, the program gives employees “a framework, tools, training and technology that empowers them to change how they work, how they identify and fix potential issues and increase overall safety awareness—all with the goal of creating a 100% injury-free workplace.

Adding Gamification

EnTrans plants were already competitive with each other in the areas of production and quality, so the program built upon that spirit by incorporating game-like elements to engage employees to take ownership of their personal safety and that of their colleagues. Those elements include a points system, monthly and annual rewards and visual aids.

EnTrans facilities compete to earn the most points in eight categories ranging from safety improvements to training, metrics and inspections/audits. The facility with the most points at the end of the year wins the overall Safety Matters award, which includes a display plaque, an all-employee lunch, employee giveaway and a drawing for monetary prizes. Locations that outperform in the established safety categories and also earn high scores on the company's safety culture assessment earn the CEO's Award for Safety. Facilities new to the EnTrans family have an opportunity to be recognized for their strides in safety with the CEO's Most Improved Award.