Sometimes, the smallest changes can lead to the biggest improvements in workplace safety. That’s the idea behind Nudge Theory—the concept that small, adjustments can encourage safer behaviors without the need for strict rules or enforcement.
Popularized in 2008 by behavioral economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, Nudge Theory is about gently guiding people’s choices and decision-making without limiting their freedom. In the workplace, this approach can be especially effective in promoting proper use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE).
As highlighted in the February 28, 2025, edition of EHS Daily Advisor, here are five practical ways to apply Nudge Theory to improve safety in your workplace:
1 Use visual reminders.
Post eye-catching signs near entryways, workstations, or high-traffic areas. A bold sign reading "Got Your Gloves?" with a clear image can serve as a quick, effective reminder for employees.
2 Keep PPE within easy reach.
Place PPE in locations where employees naturally pass through. When gear is readily available, workers are more likely to use it without hesitation.
3 Offer positive reinforcement.
Recognize and reward safe behavior. A “Safety Star of the Month” board, for example, can create a sense of pride around PPE use and reinforce a positive safety culture.
4 Make safety the default.
Incorporate safety gear into the normal workflow—such as automatically issuing PPE at shift check-ins. When safety is built into routines, it becomes second nature.
5 Reshape the workspace.
Adjust workstations and equipment layouts to naturally support safer behavior. Positioning PPE dispensers near specific tasks or tools can encourage regular use.
The key to effective nudging is subtlety and respect. Rather than enforcing strict rules, nudges gently steer workers toward safer choices—making safety feel like a natural, easy part of the job. Over time, this approach can reduce injuries and build a stronger, more sustainable safety culture.
For more information about workplace safety or to connect with one of DWC’s OSHA-authorized safety training specialists, visit www.txsafetyatwork.com or email us at safetytraining@tdi.texas.gov.