Health and Safety Incentive Programmes Backfire in US

I came across this article in the New York Times which highlights the problems of under reporting work-related injuries and illneses due to employers’ fear of compensation costs and employees’ fear of losing out on sickness payments or incentives such as ‘team steak dinners’. It’s food for thought.  

It makes me wonder about the accuracy of some health and safety related statistics here in the UK. Whilst I don’t believe we have anything like the same pressures faced by US companies and their workers, I am sure that there are instances when reporting behaviour mirrors some of the examples given.

If you get a chance, read the article and let me know what you think. Is there a danger that incentives for attendance and also for safety could have a detrimental impact not originally envisaged? Do such incentives feature in your strategy?