Citation

Sundstrom-Frisk C. J. Occup. Accid. 1984; 6(1-3): 49-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sundstrom-Frisk, C., 1984. Behavioural control through piece-rate wages. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 6: 49-59.Risk taking or unsafe acts are seldom followed by accidents. On the contrary, these behaviours are often associated with different kinds of rewards. When applying strategies for promoting safe behaviour, factors rewarding unsafe acts must therefore first be identified and taken into consideration. Piece rate is supposed to constitute one such factor.This paper presents accident data before and after a transition from piece-rate to timebased wages in the Swedish forestry industry. A reduction in the accident frequency and severity rates is observed. Mechanisms mediating the reduction were: reductions in stress (fewer human errors) and benefits associated with risk taking and removal of an obstacle to safety efforts.