Introducing Behavior-Based Safety

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) is a proactive strategy to improve workplace safety and lower risks, hazards, and accidents. It seeks to do this by watching employee behavior and aiming to identify the root cause of risky behaviors. The strategy that follows uses a number of procedures, including behavioral safety training, to swap out undesirable behavior for behavior that encourages everyone's safety. The ultimate consequence is that workers complete their jobs in a safe manner at work. The approach's primary goal is to make safe behaviors a habit.?

Before we move ahead, we have to dispel a common misconception that BBS blames the employees for any unfortunate incidents. On the contrary, behavioral safety seeks to offer positive reinforcement and feedback to employees so that they can avoid indulging in risky behaviors that endanger their lives.

The Importance of Behavior-Based Safety

To create one of the best safety cultures for both the employees and the organization as a whole, the implementation of Behavior Based Safety (BBS) is an important driving force. The main objective of BBS is to address the underlying factors that lead to the occurrence of risky behaviors, regardless of the size or type of the organization. This strategy improves safety and significantly lowers occupational risks and hazards over the long run.

One of BBS's main benefits is its emphasis on developing a mutually beneficial connection between leaders and employees that is founded on trust and collaboration. BBS encourages employees to take ownership of safety processes by including them in recognizing and resolving safety problems, which increases employee engagement and dedication to safety procedures.

Additionally, Behavior Based Safety allows for continual improvement in safety performance; it is not simply a one-time project. Organizations can see trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement through routine observations, feedback, and data analysis.?

Safety is instilled as a fundamental value rather than being seen as a just regulatory need by incorporating BBS into the organizational culture. Employees are more likely to internalize safe behaviors and urge others to do the same when they see that safety is truly valued by the company, which fosters a healthy safety culture.

Let’s see what PARTHA BHATTACHARYA , Manager (Safety) at Tata Steel has to say about this -?

The Six-Step Approach to BBS

1. Identification of Unsafe Behavior - The first step in BBS is to clearly identify the unsafe and risky behaviors you want to target. It is important to isolate the specific unsafe behavior which is causing harm.?
2. Understanding the Root Cause - After identifying the unsafe behavior, the next step in behavioral safety is to analyze the root cause (both external and internal factors) of the said behavior.?
3. Possible Action - The next step will be to formulate a plan of possible corrective actions you can take to encourage the employees to let go of their unsafe behavior and to inspire them to adopt the safer ones instead.?
4. Selection of Necessary Processes - You will then need to decide what processes you will include. Behavior-based safety training, corrective feedback, behavior-based safety checklists, and behavioral safety audits are some tried and tested options.
5. Implementation - The second last step is the actual implementation of the Behavior Based Safety program. This is the hardest and the most time-consuming step. The cornerstone of an effective BBS program is open communication and positive feedback.?
6. Evaluation - Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of behavioral safety training and other program elements to increase safe behavior among employees. Recognize and follow up with non-conformers. Replace or improve ineffective elements to ensure a safer work environment. Continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential for success.

Here is another insightful post from Sandeep Sharma, Group Manager EHS&S on BBS Implementation -

Possible Challenges to Implementation

Implementing a BBS Program will come with its own set of challenges. You will have to overcome the following hurdles to reach success -

Conclusion

In conclusion, BBS plays a crucial role in effecting positive change and reducing workplace accidents. Today, advancements in technology offer valuable tools such as SafetyConnect to identify unsafe behavior and cultivate a culture of safety. By leveraging these innovations and emphasizing the significance of individual behavior, organizations can proactively work towards creating safer work environments, fostering employee well-being, and achieving higher levels of productivity and success.

Resources?

• https://ehsdailyadvisor.blr.com/2020/07/behavior-based-safety-key-concepts-and-benefits/
• https://www.safetyconnect.io/post/behavior-change-communication-the-secret-to-improving-driving-safety-in-the-workplace
• https://www.oshatrain.org/pdf/otn717o.pdf
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kTGq4dRJfM