1. Behavior Based Safety Programs – 4 Tips to Keep Your
Program Fresh
Behavior Based Safety Programs
Behavior based safety is a common strategy utilized in many facilities to increase employee
participation and decrease accidents. A concept developed to combat the limitations of
traditional safety programs that rely solely on the 3 Es of safety: education, engineering and
enforcement. It focuses on changing an organizations safety culture to address unsafe
behaviors; which many believe is the cause of 90% or more of workplace accidents. While they
can be a great addition to your program keep the following in mind.
1. Most BBS programs are based on an observation and feedback system to increase
awareness and develop safe habits or behaviors overtime. Developing a sustainable strategy
to collect, log and track all observation forms is critical. While there are computer based
automated solutions many systems encourage observers to document hand written comments.
Whatever system you decide on you must acknowledge comments were received. This takes
human intervention and can take a lot of administrative time that must be planned for.
2. BBS observation forms are typically targeted to address specific concerns in an organization.
As an example, if seat belts are not being worn while operating forklifts you may add it to the
observation form. A system must be developed to understand the data collected to determine if
progress is being made. A common strategy to keep the program evergreen is to develop a
BBS committee that meets routinely to review results, suggests changes and reports on
progress.
3. Communication is key to insuring your program is sustainable. If you are not regularly
providing updates, feedback and acknowledging the information contained in observations your
program will quickly fail. To keep the program exciting and employees motivated consider
adding an incentive program. While many would not agree, I have found it to be a critical step
to keep a BBS program going over the long term. Rewarding for participation in the program by
setting observation and feedback goals can keep your program going. In addition, it can add
positive communications that are regularly scheduled to keep people interested and feeling
valued.
4. When you ask employees to observe others and provide feedback sometimes it can turn
negative. When two employees disagree about an observation that has been completed you
have to have a process to evaluate the compliant and provide resolution quickly. Don’t let
these sit and fester. All issues should be addressed and resolved as soon as possible. One
strategy I have used in the past is to develop a policy that all disputes would be addressed with
any two BBS committee members to provide instant access and resolution.
BBS programs can be a great addition to your safety program as long as you plan appropriately
and develop a strategy that works. When considering what elements to include in your program
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2. make sure you include solid observation and feedback training and an exciting kick off plan to
generate interest. Over the long term continue to change your observation system with the
latest issues to keep your program evergreen. Last, consider an incentive program to keep the
observations coming in.
Joe Tavenner CSP, CFPS has over 15 years of experience, a bachelors and Masters degree in
Occupational Safety Management and an MBA in Management. In his spare time he writes
article for trade journals and EzineArticles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Tavenner
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For more information see http://theoshablog.com
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