Case Study: Caterpillar achieves an 85% reduction in injuries with C.A. Short safety incentive programs

How Caterpillar used leading indicators to create world-class safety

Caterpillar worked to improve safety performance across the enterprise and reduce injuries by strengthening its safety culture and focusing on leading indicators rather than reacting to incidents. C.A. Short supported this effort with a safety incentive and recognition approach as part of Caterpillar’s Safety Strategic Improvement Process (SIP).

Using C.A. Short’s recognition-focused program, Caterpillar implemented clear safety culture statements, leadership engagement, defined accountability, consistent performance tracking, and positive-behavior recognition. The result was an 85% reduction in injuries and an estimated $450 million in direct and indirect cost savings, demonstrating a major measurable impact on both safety and the bottom line.

Caterpillar