How to create an effective Behaviour Based Safety program
Establishing an Effective Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) Program
The most challenging aspect of establishing an effective Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program is changing the mindset of everyone involved, from upper management to front-line employees, towards safe behavioral practices. While it's human nature to focus on defects or negativity, the goal of BBS is to seek out and reward positive behaviors.
Here are some significant steps to create an effective BBS program:
1. Motivating Employees:
Workers who are not enthusiastic about the process will be ineffective in carrying it out. It is more vital to motivate them and make them believe in the process than to force it upon them.
2. Positive Observations:
Do not "catch them in the act" by eavesdropping on employees, which fosters a "us vs. them" atmosphere. Better outcomes will result from properly announcing the observation and appreciating good effort.
3. Focus on Positive Behaviors:
Behavior-based safety aims to identify and highlight positive behaviors. Instead of reprimanding employees for unsafe behavior, use unsafe observations as teaching opportunities and chances to identify problems with the activity at hand.
4. Sharing Information:
Make sure the safety team shares information from the BBS observations to inspire the rest of the organization. If employees don’t see any outcomes or changes being made to their procedures, they won’t be motivated by the program.
5. Keeping the Big Picture in Mind:
While regular observations are essential, ensure they are successful. Observers should focus on making the workplace safer rather than merely filling their quotas.
6. Allowing Time for Change:
Changing people’s mindsets and the frameworks they are accustomed to won't happen overnight. Give your staff and the BBS program time and space to develop before expecting noticeable changes.
7. Understanding the Root Causes:
Even though a BBS program aims to curtail risky behavior, it’s critical to understand why these actions were taken in the first place. Discuss with employees their actions to figure out the best way to address the underlying causes.
8. Fostering a Culture of Safety:
Nobody anticipates getting hurt at work, but fostering a culture of safety among your employees can significantly lower the likelihood of injuries. Remember, implementing a BBS program is not about creating a "us vs. them" situation. Behavior-based safety stands for everyone collaborating to keep one another safe.
