'Find the alien' - gamification in safety training

The damaged and unsafe tools were required to be brought to a collection point and were replaced immediately with new ones to continue safe manual work. People tend not to scrap the damaged tools, thinking the tool may still be useful. This psychological barrier is removed when the damaged tool is changed for a new one.

Significant reduction of the risk posed by use of damaged hand tools can be achieved at relatively low cost. In three months 113 colleagues participated and found 364 damaged and unsafe tools. Some of the tools were collected and are now displayed in a small exhibition. With this initiative, called “Find the Alien”, the mill aimed to raise more awareness for safety at work and to minimise the risk of injuries.

The background activities included purchase of selected tools, an impactful communication campaign in the mill (TVs, roll-ups, banners, e-mails), preparation of the timeline, cooperation with security, creation of collecting points, hand-over protocols for registration, lucky draw organisation and regular promotion.

A challenge was to avoid employees and contractors bringing the damaged tools from home and private properties, however this risk was considered and accepted, as it develops a 24-hour safety mind-set (home safety of our employees and contractors). Approximately 10-15% of tools were not from the mill. Mondi Štětí invested in purchasing new tools from a local supplier which provides services also during annual shut in the container inside the mill.

The overall activity was coordinated by the mill's safety department. Also, safety induction training and gamification activities were provided by ATALLO GROUP. Security (M2C Company) ensured collection of the damaged tools and handing over of new tools 24/7 with evidence (protocols).