BS :- Behavior-Based Safety

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Chapter : Behavioral Safety

 

Behavior-Based Safety

Behavior Based Safety is a proactive approach that measures and coaches safe work practices. Safety is about people helping other people on the job. It helps employees to identify and choose a safe behavior over an unsafe one.

This includes talking to each other about safe behaviors or risky behaviors you see first hand. Doing so shows active care and concern for yourself, your co-worker and the company you are working for.

BBS looks at how three things interact to improve safety.

• Person- Knowledge, Skill, Abilities, Intelligence, Motives, Personality, Attitudes and Values 
• Environment- Equipment, tools, Machines, Housekeeping, Heat/Clod, Engineering, Materials, Safety Rules, Standards, Operating Procedures.
• Behavior- Complying, Coaching, Recognizing, Communicating, Actively Caring.

Basic principles of BBS

• Behavior is a cause of accidents.
• Observe-Measure-Manage.
• Feedback is essential to improvement.
• Consequences motivate behavior.
• Communication is the key.
• Participation creates ownership.
• Continuous improvement happens when we work together.
• Be proactive rather than reactive.

Making observations:

One can impact safety by getting involved, working together and addressing critical behaviors such as:

• Lifting methods
• Personal protective equipment use
• Methods used to access elevated work areas
• Work speed or hurry
• Driving practices
• Work methods and work layout
• Housekeeping

Safe procedures:

• Have care and concern for yourself, co-workers, and your company.
• Observe what is going on around you as you go about your work.Commend co-workers when you see a safe work practice. For example, “Your eye protection looks good.” 
• Coach your co-worker when you see they are at risk of injury. 
• Ask his or her permission to share what you see. 
• For example, “If I see something that could cause you to be injured, would you want to know about it?” Use words that are positive and supportive. If there is a barrier, talk about the best way to address it.

Behavior Based Safety Programs

• Observation of employees to employees.
  
• Extensive training provided to those participating particularly the observers.
• Development of a list of "critical worker behaviors "often with input form workers themselves who are invited and welcomed into the process.
• Development of ' model behavior's so that employees behaviors are measured against their own standard- Previous behaviors.
• Substantial management commitment, including financial.
• Reward system e.g. bonuses / acknowledgement of efforts and results.
• Program are promoted as 'voluntary and promoting participation.
• The program say in health and safety which is 'Everyone's Responsibility not recognizing who has power to make decisions.
• Utilize and appropriate current participation and representative structures - e.g. elected committee representatives, union delegates, and safety committees etc.

Conclusion:
Promoting safe behaviors will help prevent injuries. Do your best to be observant of others’ behaviors and to make positive recommendations.