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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Every BBS program begins with clear, actionable goals, ideally following the SMART framework:
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:
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:
You can find examples of behavior-based safety checklists online, but you must modify them to suit your particular work environment.
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:
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:
Behavior-based safety (BBS) programs focus on reducing high-risk behaviors in hazard-prone industries.
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.