The Price of Safety
Are you up for the challenge? asks Sara Garity
By Sara GarityBy Joan Bittel>
May 2002
What is the price of safety? Dallas/Ft. Worth-based Worldwide Flight Services believes US$25,000 is a good bet. Worldwide Flight Services provides a variety of services to over 300 airlines and airports in over 100 locations throughout the United States. "We are a full service company," says Peggy Mann, Assistant Vice President of Quality Services. "We provide cargo, ramp, passenger, and technical services."
In January 2002, Worldwide Flight Services instituted a "Safety Cup Challenge" to their employees to provide an incentive to "stay safe" while providing the highest quality of performance for their customers. According to Mann, the company will pay up to $25,000 semi-annually, based on savings to the Worldwide Flight location that wins each Safety Cup Challenge.
The idea of the Safety Cup Challenge began last year when the company was acquired by VINCI. In a drive to improve the company's performance, the company set a goal to increase safety and prevent injury within their company. "Our goal is to achieve zero injuries, or as close to zero injuries as we can," says Mann. Each of the 100 locations is participating.
To be eligible for the Safety Cup Challenge, each location must have no injuries [no injury reports filed]; be under the 25-percent reduction goal [25-percent less than the previous year's injury statistics for the aviation and private industry]; have the greatest percentage of savings [according to insurance claim payouts]; and the greatest reduction percentage in frequency of injury. To accomplish this, Worldwide Flight Services has targeted six components that they feel will help make the Safety Cup Challenge a success:
- Document policies and expectations.
- Make a commitment to full support from the top down.
- Use standardized metrics and audits.
- Define targets and goals.
- Reward people for their success. Use management incentives and compensate for performance.
According to Mann, the Safety Cup Challenge has already seen measurable results. "Our goal is to reduce injuries by 25 percent, and right now we are at 15 percent." All operations, including ramp/passenger and cargo are competing in the Challenge.
After the first winner is chosen in July, a survey will assess the program according to the employee responses. "We will give the employees a survey, we're calling it the 'Safety Cup Survey,' and employees will receive little prizes for filling it out," says Mann. "Then, when we evaluate 2002 and define 2003 targets, we will look at making changes to the current program by implementing other components, doing a benchmark study, or by introducing new components." The company plans to continue the program indefinitely.
So, what is the price of safety? Worldwide Flight Services knows the true answer is 'priceless,' but a little incentive goes a long way.
For more information, contact:
Worldwide Flight Services
1001 W. Euless Boulevard, Suite 320
Euless, Texas 76040
817-665-3200
www.worldwideflight.com