A Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program is a structured behavioral intervention designed to promote workplace safety. It focuses on changing individual behaviors through observation, feedback, and positive reinforcement, involving employees actively and using data to drive improvements. BBS programs stand out from other safety programs primarily because they focus on modifying unsafe workplace practices rather than just addressing physical hazards or implementing safety protocols. 

Behavior-Based Safety Programs: The Ultimate Guide

This article explores the two main approaches to behavior-based safety, the core elements of BBS programs, how they are applied in different industries, and the pros and cons of BBS.

Two Main Approaches of Behavior-Based Safety

Micro Approach
The micro BBS approach is focused on changing individual employee behaviors to improve workplace safety. It is based on Thomas Krause’s model using the ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequences) approach. There are seven steps involved:

1. Identify problematic behaviors, such as unsafe actions.
2. Determine the root causes of these behaviors.
3. Develop corrective actions.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions.
5. Establish processes to support the BBS program.
6. Implement the BBS program.
7. Review data to assess improvements in safety behaviors.

Macro Approach
Behavior-based safety at the macro level aims to embed safety into the organizational culture. This strategy requires implementation at all levels, from employees to leadership, to create long-lasting safety change.

Core Characteristics of a Behavior-Based Safety Program

A well-structured behavior-based safety program involves four key elements: setting goals, creating checklists, conducting observations, and delivering feedback. Each component builds on the other, forming a cohesive strategy for promoting workplace safety.

1. Behavior-Based Safety Goals

Every BBS program begins with clear, actionable goals, ideally following the SMART framework:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Well-defined goals help streamline the observation process by narrowing the focus to particular safety-related behaviors and providing a timeline for evaluating progress.

Examples of behavior-based safety goals include:

• Reduce hazardous behaviors by 10% over the next quarter.
• Achieve 98% compliance with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use by the end of the year.
• Decrease recordable injuries by 25% within 12 months.

2. Behavior-Based Safety Checklists

Once your goals are in place, the next step is to develop checklists of behaviors to observe. These checklists should be tailored to your workplace’s specific processes, equipment, and protocols and should align with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. 

The behaviors you choose to monitor should meet three key criteria:

• Observable - The behavior must be something you can see or hear.
• Controllable - The behavior must be within the employee’s ability to control.
• Positive - The checklist should describe actions to perform, not just behaviors to avoid.

You can find examples of behavior-based safety checklists online, but you must modify them to suit your particular work environment.

3. Behavior-Based Safety Observations

Observation in BBS programs involves the training of employees to identify safe and unsafe behaviors and deliver effective feedback. 

Announcing observational periods is important to avoid negative perceptions from employees who may feel they are being “caught out.” While announcing observations may initially influence behavior, typical routines usually become apparent over time and authentic behaviors surface.

Common behavior-based safety observations may be conducted in the following scenarios:

• Observing workers handling hazardous substances, noting whether gloves are worn.
• Checking employee compliance with wearing safety glasses while operating machinery.
• Monitoring workers setting up ladders on uneven ground.

4. Behavior-Based Safety Feedback

Feedback is the most critical aspect of a BBS program, especially positive reinforcement, which encourages safe behavior in the workplace. Feedback should focus on specific, observable actions and not the individual themselves.

Examples of effective feedback include:

• "Henry, thanks for moving those supplies. Your housekeeping prevents trip hazards and keeps everyone safe."
• "Hey Jackie, we appreciate your hard work. Just one note for added safety, remember to take corners a bit slower and give a quick horn. Thanks for keeping safety in mind!"

Workplace Practices Addressed in BBS Programs

Behavior-based safety (BBS) programs focus on reducing high-risk behaviors in hazard-prone industries.

• Construction Industry

• Improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Unsafe scaffolding practices
• Failure to follow fall protection protocols

• Electrical Industry

• Improper lockout/tagout procedures
• Electrical shock hazards
• Failure to use insulated tools

• Water Utility Industry

• Safe handling of chemicals
• Proper use of protective gear
• Vehicle operation safety during fieldwork

• Chemical Industry

• Hazardous substance handling
• Spill response
• Adherence to safety protocols, such as proper labeling and storage of chemicals

• Manufacturing Industry

• Machine safety
• Ergonomics
• Proper lifting techniques

Pros

• Implementing a BBS program can help organizations identify safety hazards and encourage behavior-based corrective actions.
• A BBS program offers a clear and objective view of safe and unsafe workplace practices.
• BBS programs remind employees that they have a role to play in workplace and personal safety.

Cons

• BBS alone does not meet OSHA compliance, as OSHA prioritizes hazard control through elimination, substitution, or engineering solutions.
• Since BBS emphasizes administrative controls like training and procedures, it should be complemented with additional safety measures. 
• BBS programs can inadvertently place "blame" on employees and sometimes misidentify the root causes of workplace accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a behavior-based safety program?

A Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program is a structured intervention aimed at enhancing workplace safety by focusing on individual behaviors. It utilizes observation, feedback, and positive reinforcement to actively engage employees and leverage data for continuous improvement. Unlike other safety programs, BBS specifically targets the modification of unsafe practices rather than merely addressing physical hazards or enforcing safety protocols.

How do you implement a behavior-based safety program?

Implementing a BBS program starts with setting clear goals, creating checklists of observable behaviors, conducting regular observations, and delivering constructive feedback. It’s important to involve employees at all levels and tailor the program to fit your organization’s unique needs.

What is a critical behavior checklist?

A critical behavior checklist is a tool used in a BBS program to track specific safety-related behaviors. These behaviors must be observable, within an employee’s control, and framed positively. The checklist serves as a guide for observers to ensure consistent monitoring.

How can behavior-based safety observations improve workplace safety?

Behavior-based safety observations allow companies to monitor employee actions and provide feedback on safety practices. By addressing unsafe behaviors and reinforcing positive ones, observations help create a safety culture and reduce the risk of accidents.

What is included in behavior-based safety training?

Behavior-based safety training covers observing and identifying unsafe behaviors, providing constructive feedback, and effectively using checklists. It also emphasizes reinforcing positive behaviors in promoting a workplace safety culture.