If an organization expects to have a "world class safety system," managers must be held accountable for more than after-the-fact results. They must also be held accountable for how safety results are obtained. With this in mind, contests should be based on "proactive" safety performance criteria. They should be based on improving the safety system. For example, a contest might be based on completing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or implementing an equipment inspection system. This is consistent with total quality concepts of continually improving the system.
Awards should go to those who exhibit safe behavior or otherwise demonstrate proactive support of the safety system. Examples of behavior-based safety contests include wearing personal protective equipment, correcting unsafe conditions or exhibiting safety leadership.