UnlOcking the power of behaviour-based SAFETY in workplaces

For modern businesses and workplaces that operate in dynamic environments, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their employees must always be a top priority. However, it’s not just about following rules and regulations.

Creating a safe workplace means building a culture where safety is part of everyday behaviour. That’s where Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) comes in. BBS is about understanding and influencing how employees act to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Studies have shown that after a year of implementation, BBS programs can potentially reduce injury rates by about 29%. According to researchers, after five years, the reduction rate increased to an average of 72%; after seven or more years, the average reduction was 79%. Here’s a deep dive into how organisations can unlock the power of BBS in workplaces.

Understanding Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS)

Behaviour-Based Safety is an approach that focuses on observing and modifying employee behaviours to enhance workplace safety.

As per the Heinrich triangle, considered the cornerstone of the workplace health and safety philosophy, up to 88% of work-related accidents involve human behaviour as a contributing factor. While traditional safety measures often focus on compliance and adherence to rules, BBS takes a step further by recognising that human actions and decisions can seminally impact safety outcomes.

The importance of Behaviour-Based Safety

BBS is important because it focuses on the human side of workplace safety. It highlights the need for open communication, involving employees, training and learning and positive feedback to reduce workplace risks.

Figuring out why people might take risks helps in creating better safety plans. Some of the common reasons include:

Shortcuts to safety: For instance, employees might bypass safety procedures to save time, such as by neglecting to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for tasks that seem minor.

Old habits: Long-standing but unsafe practices may persist simply because businesses continue with traditional work methods, which may, in some cases, be hazardous.

Supervisor influence: If supervisors overlook unsafe behaviours because they speed up task completion, it also reinforces those behaviours among employees. The organisation must be on board with positive and responsible safety practices to create a workplace without accidents.

A solid Behaviour-Based Safety programme is crucial for boosting safety performance and keeping employees committed to staying safe.

Steps for implementing an effective Behaviour-Based Safety Programme

influencing safety behaviour can occur at various levels within an organisation and through different approaches. To turn the vision of an accident-free workplace into a reality, here are some steps organisations must consider for a robust BBS programme:

Needs analysis: Conducting a thorough needs analysis is the first step. This involves engaging with senior leadership and representatives from various departments to assess current training processes, identify gaps, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programmes.

Involving leadership and management: A successful BBS programme starts with solid leadership. Senior management must demonstrate a commitment to safety, set clear guidelines and lead by example. Their dedication sends a powerful message, encouraging employees to adopt safe practices.

Data collection and analysis: Behavioural data is crucial for driving change. Regular collection and analysis help identify safety trends and patterns, which helps organisations address issues proactively.

Employee engagement: Employees should be actively involved in safety initiatives. Providing channels for feedback, suggestions, and participation in safety committees helps foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Positive reinforcement, such as celebrating safety achievements or discussing lessons learned from near-misses, supports the importance of safety and encourages continued adherence to safe practices.

Customising training: A one-size-fits-all-all does not work when it comes to BBS programmes. They must be tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation. Industry, function, and subject matter expertise are factors one must consider when designing a BBS programme to ensure the training is relevant and effective for that workplace.

Continuous improvement: A Behaviour-Based Safety programme should be dynamic and adaptable. Regular assessments and adjustments based on data, feedback and evolving conditions ensure that safety initiatives remain practical and relevant.

Programme delivery: Finally, the programme delivery typically begins with an industry-specific senior leadership training session, followed by training for functional and operational leaders. Building in-house capabilities through programmes like Train the Trainer (TTT) ensures ongoing support and continuous improvement.

Benefits of Behaviour-Based Safety Programmes

Uncovers the root causes: BBS programmes focus on understanding and mitigating the underlying behaviours that lead to accidents. The result is proactive prevention and improved safety performance throughout the organisation.

Encourages employee ownership: By involving employees in identifying and addressing safety concerns, BBS programmes create a sense of responsibility and commitment to safety. Equipping employees with qualifications like the NEBOSH General Certificate further enhances their ability
to contribute to safety discussions and initiatives.

Builds a safety culture: Focusing on behaviours rather than outcomes helps create a positive safety culture where employees feel empowered to make a difference. This leads to long-term improvements in safety performance.

Tracks data for improvement: BBS programmes generate valuable data on behaviours and safety performance. This helps organisations track progress, identify trends and make informed decisions to enhance safety.

Boosts teamwork: Open communication and collaboration are central to BBS programmes. They help build trust and a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing safety issues.

Reduces costs related to accidents: By reducing the frequency and severity of accidents, BBS programmes can lead to significant cost savings, including reduced medical expenses, workers’ compensation claims, and indirect costs such as lost productivity and damage to equipment.

Choosing the right partner to implement Behaviour-Based Safety programmes can make all the difference in building a safer workplace. It’s best to associate with partner organisations that help develop a deep understanding of behavioural safety through their comprehensive training, such as BBS workshops, Train the Trainer sessions, and Safety Leadership Training for senior leaders. Such holistic programmes equip teams with the skills and mindset to identify, address, and influence safety behaviours. They, in turn, create a proactive environment where safety becomes everyone’s responsibility.