The Short Version
OSHA allows gift cards in safety programs when they’re used to reward positive actions, not silence reports. Structured the right way, gift card incentives strengthen safety culture and keep programs both engaging and compliant.
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Clearing Up the Confusion About OSHA, Compliance, and Gift Card Rewards
From the floor of a recent safety tradeshow in Denver, one thing became crystal clear: employers love the idea of using gift cards to motivate safe behavior—but many have backed away, citing concerns over OSHA compliance.
We heard the same question over and over: “Can we even use gift cards anymore?”
The truth is, OSHA does allow safety incentives—including gift cards—when they’re structured the right way. But most of the information out there is vague, outdated, or misinterpreted. That’s why we created this post: to clarify what OSHA actually says, clear up misconceptions, and help companies confidently reward safety without risking non-compliance.
3 Things You Need to Know About OSHA and Gift Card Incentives
Let’s cut through the confusion. Here are the three most important takeaways from OSHA’s official guidance—so you can confidently build a program that rewards safety with gift cards and stays compliant.
1. OSHA Allows Gift Card Incentives (If Structured Correctly)
OSHA’s 2018 memo confirms that safety incentive programs are allowed. That includes gift cards, as long as the program doesn’t discourage employees from reporting injuries or hazards. The issue isn’t the reward itself. It’s how the program is structured. When rewards are tied solely to outcomes like “no reported injuries,” it can create pressure to stay quiet about incidents. That’s what OSHA wants to avoid.
To stay compliant, focus your program on encouraging safe behaviors, not suppressing reports. Gift cards are a valid and effective reward when they’re used in a way that supports open communication and safety transparency.
Read the official OSHA memo and OSHA Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs to learn more.
2. Focus on Positive, Reportable Actions
The most effective and compliant safety programs reward what OSHA calls “positive behaviors.” These are actions that promote safety culture without discouraging reporting. In other words, reward the process—not just the result. If your program only recognizes “zero incidents,” it may lead employees to stay silent to protect the group reward. OSHA has flagged that kind of structure as problematic.
A better approach is to design incentives around actions that encourage engagement and transparency. For example:
- Reporting hazards or near-misses
- Participating in safety trainings or safety committees
- Identifying risks before they become incidents
- Offering proactive safety suggestions
Gift cards tied to these reportable actions send a clear message: speaking up is valued, not punished.
3. The Right Rewards Strengthen Safety Culture
When used correctly, gift cards are more than just a perk. They reinforce the idea that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that proactive behaviors are recognized. The result is stronger engagement, more hazard reporting, and fewer incidents overall.
Gift cards are especially effective because they’re flexible and personally meaningful across a diverse workforce. They work for every employee, regardless of role or location, and can be delivered instantly.
In short, the right rewards do more than check a compliance box—they help build a culture where safety thrives.
How to Build an OSHA-Compliant Incentive Program
Knowing that OSHA allows gift cards is just the first step. The real impact comes from how you structure your program. A compliant incentive program motivates safe behavior without silencing reports.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Reward reporting and prevention. Recognize employees for reporting hazards, near misses, or joining safety committees.
- Make non-retaliation clear. Train employees on their right to report and communicate your non-retaliation policy.
- Use spot rewards. Gift cards are most effective when given in the moment. Keep distribution fair and inclusive so everyone has a chance to be recognized.
- Gather feedback. Regular check-ins create trust and ensure employees feel safe speaking up.
With these principles in place, gift card programs become a proven way to strengthen safety culture while staying compliant.
Ready to Build a Safer, Stronger Program?
The bottom line: OSHA allows safety incentives, and gift cards are one of the most effective ways to deliver them. The key is structure. When programs reward positive behaviors, encourage reporting, and make recognition meaningful, everyone wins.
If your company has held back from using gift cards because of OSHA concerns, now is the time to take another look.
Let’s build an incentive program that’s compliant, scalable, and powered by rewards worth working safely for.
Until then, here’s to keeping your people safe,
The eGifter Team
P.S. If you’re a SafetyCulture client, we’re making it even easier to integrate gift cards into the process you already use.
