Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) Management Training Program is a uniquely designed module. It main aims to reduce safety incidents in the organisation. He will educate managers and leaders on how to effectively implement and sustain BBS initiatives in their workplaces to reduce unsafe acts. Here is the ultimate guide for getting started with behaviour-based safety management covering all the key areas:
What is the Behaviour-based safety (BBS)?
Behaviour-based safety (BBS) is a safety management approach. Which focuses on improving safety work culture and its outcomes in the workplace by understanding and modifying employee behaviour to reduce unsafe acts occurring in the workplace.
In Behaviour-based safety, observing and analysing employee behaviour is helpful in identifying safety-related actions. Which can be both positive and negative. It emphasizes taking intervention measures to reinforce safe behaviour and discourage unsafe behaviour.
The Behaviour-based safety management system focuses all our attention on what people do, analysing it so that we know why they do it, and then conducting research to help people improve what they do. which guides us to implement the supported intervention strategies. As a result, the safety performance of the organization improves.
Historical background and evolution of BBS
It is difficult to say exactly when behaviour-based safety technology started. However, as is well known, a flurry of behaviour-based safety study work began in the early 1970s. Since its inception and application in the mid-1970s, behaviour-based safety has undergone a series of evolutionary changes.
Around the 1930s Heinrich published a work describing the results obtained by evaluating accidents. Reached the conclusion that approximately 90% of incidents are caused by human error. This inference and data analysis has become the foundation of behaviour-based safety today. Moves towards ‘cultural’ models of behaviour.
Importance of the Behaviour-based safety systems in the Organisations
Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) Management System is one such important system in our organization. This safety management system plays an important role in the safety culture improvement in our system. Which serves as a tool to improve the safety performance of organizations through several elements:
- Focus on prevention of unsafe practices: BBS addresses the root causes of unsafe practices occurring in the workplace. This forces us to take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries. It identifies behaviours that contribute to safety incidents and helps us to modify them. Thereby, possible damage to the organization’s employees, environment and assets can be prevented.
- Employee Involvement: BBS encourages active employee involvement and participation in safety initiatives. By involving employees in our behavioural observation, feedback and intervention processes, organizations can empower them to take ownership of safety and contribute to creating a safe work environment.
- Cultural change: BBS helps promote a positive safety culture within organizations. Promotes safe behaviour and attitudes at all levels of the organization. BBS initiatives contribute to creating a culture where safety is valued. And at the same time, it is given priority and incorporated into everyday practices.
- Data-driven approach: BBS relies on data and observations to identify safety-related behaviour and trends. In this, first behavioural data must be collected. By analysing data after it has been collected, organizations can gain insight into security performance and identify areas for improvement. Only then can we make informed decisions to enhance safety outcomes.
- Continuous Safety Improvement: BBS management is a process based on a cycle of continuous improvement. This includes regularly monitoring safety practices and implementing interventions and evaluating their effectiveness. Organizations can adapt and refine their security programs to achieve continuous improvement over time.
- Reduction in incidents and costs: Implementing BBS can reduce costs related to workplace incidents and injuries. Organizations can reduce risks and reduce workers’ compensation claims by addressing unsafe practices. This can also avoid significant potential legal liabilities.
- Compliance and reputation: BBS helps maintain a strong safety performance record. This can increase an organization’s compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Additionally, a positive safety reputation can improve employee morale. It can attract top safety talent and enhance relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Overall, behaviour-based safety is important. It helps us promote a culture of safety by improving safety performance. Ultimately provides a systematic approach to safeguard the well-being of employees and the success of the organization.
Behaviour-based safety – Behavioural Change ABC Model
Even before this many safety programs have come. There are many types of these but despite this, accidents are happening everywhere. So, if we find out the root cause then it is unsafe behaviour. This is very important because more than 90% of accidents occur due to human error.
Will we be able to prevent this accident or how will behaviour change? Dr Thomas R. Krause (PhD is Chairman of the Board and cofounder of Behavioural Science Technology. It’s an international performance solutions company based in California.) provided a process for improving safety in this unsafe behaviour. So, there’s a model for behaviour change called the ABC model. A means antecedent/ activator, B means behaviour, C means outcome/consequence. Consequences follow behaviour. Consequences can influence future behaviour based on reinforcement and feedback.
Antacid, which forces us to do things. This is called a precursor or catalyst. Inspired by this, whatever work we do, we definitely get its results. This is what we call activator. This forces us to behave, its consequences can be both good and bad.
If a person’s behaviour is good, then he will continue it. And if the behaviour is unsafe then we will have to work to improve it. Therefore, we do not have to work in behaviour. We only have to work on antecedent/ activator and outcome/consequence. Because both of these change the behaviour of a person.
So now let’s talk about what is antecedent. Working on anticipating means that you need to communicate how you want behaviour to occur on the site, or if you want everyone on the site to behave safely and no one to behave unsafely, you need to communicate how you want to behave and need to be informed about safe work policy, processes, and the procedures of the company. So this lets people know what desirable behaviour in the company?
But sometimes people do not work according to desire behaviour. Then for this work we have to give consequence. That means if they do not follow the safety rules then we have to give consequences as punishment or if they followed all the safety rules then we have to give consequences in the form of rewards. So, to avoid this consequence, people do not make mistakes or avoid making mistakes.
Now we must set consequences to change people’s behaviour. It is important to pay attention to one thing, which of the two, the antecedent and the consequence, will have what impact?
To fix the incident, we will provide training, give toolbox talk, give safety instructions but its impact on our behaviour is only 15%. Consequences account for 85% of the maximum impact on behaviour change. This consequence is either in the form of reward or punishment. In this reinforcement can be both positive and negative. In this, negative enforcement it is possible that out of fear a person works only as much as is necessary. And so that he does not get any punishment, and even if no one is watching, he works the same unsafe way. In this, positive enforcement is such that there are some people who once explained to them, they become motivated, whether you stand there or not, they work with safety.
If I talk about if a man is not wearing a helmet. Even if you don’t train him, he won’t wear a helmet. Because he doesn’t know whether he must wear a helmet or not. But when you asked him to wear a helmet, it means you gave him incident. Even after this, what can happen if he does not wear a helmet? He may be punished or fired from the company. If so, then what will happen is that now he will get scared and he will correct his behaviour. This consequence can be positive or negative, certain, or uncertain, and can be immediate or future.
What should the consequences be? It should be positive, definite, and immediate. For example, a man does his work safely from morning to evening. Seeing this, his boss says in the evening that you have done a very good job and brags about you in front of everyone that you have done a very good job. So, in this you see that the consequence became positive, after that it happened immediately, after that it became definite here. So here we are seeing that due to consequences, the behaviour of the person will change. Because that person knows that if he does good work then the boss will praise him. It is important to give feedback when there are positive consequences. In this you can give certificates, rewards and praise it in front of people.
So let us understand this with another example. Suppose a child eats a lot of chocolate. You told him not to eat chocolate. Eating this can harm your health. But still, he is eating chocolate. Because we accept its consequences. That it will lead to obesity, then when will obesity occurs? In the future? And this will not happen immediately, it will happen in the future, and it is also not certain. So, what will happen now if its result is negative? So now you will see that this will not affect the child and he will not give up chocolate. Because he also likes the taste of chocolate. This will not make change the behaviour of that child.
Let us assume that it has been set in the company that if you report an unsafe condition, you will get a reward. So, what will happen now is whether the man will do that work or not, it depends on whether he will get the reward or not. Will do it if he gets immediate reward. After that, its effect is becoming positive. If he reports well, he will definitely get it. So, it is certain. So, if you fix all three, if these three things are there in consistency, then there is an accelerated percentage change in behaviour.
So, in this way the behaviour changes 100%. If you want to implement this ABC model and after implementing it, set the consequence such that it is “PIC” positive, after that it is immediate and definite, then the behaviour changes 100 percent.
ABC Model Antecedents Table which are responsible for unsafe acts in Behaviour based Safety
To improving the behaviour-based safety here we are created a category-wise antecedents table. These factor are responsible for unsafe acts/ unsafe behaviors in different settings such as workplaces, roads, or homes. Below is a generalized table with categories and examples of antecedents:
Behaviour based Safety Antecedents Table for Unsafe Acts
| SL No. | Category | Antecedent | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Human Factors | Fatigue | Long working hours leading to tiredness and decreased attention. |
| Stress | High job demands causing mental strain and distraction. | ||
| Lack of Training | Insufficient training leading to improper handling of equipment. | ||
| Risk-taking Behavior | Ignoring safety protocols to save time. | ||
| Poor Health | Physical illness affecting concentration and performance. | ||
| 2 | Organizational Factors | Inadequate Safety Policies | Lack of clear safety guidelines and procedures. |
| Poor Supervision | Insufficient oversight leading to non-compliance with safety measures. | ||
| Inadequate Communication | Failure to effectively communicate safety information and updates. | ||
| Work Pressure | High productivity demands leading to shortcut-taking and unsafe practices. | ||
| 3 | Environmental Factors | Unsafe Work Conditions | Poorly maintained equipment or hazardous workplace layout. |
| Weather Conditions | Adverse weather affecting visibility and physical safety. | ||
| Lighting | Inadequate lighting causing slips, trips, and falls. | ||
| Noise | High noise levels causing distraction and communication barriers. | ||
| 4 | Technical Factors | Equipment Malfunction | Faulty machinery or tools leading to accidents. |
| Lack of Proper Tools | Using incorrect or substandard tools for tasks. | ||
| Complexity of Tasks | Overly complex procedures increasing the likelihood of errors. | ||
| Inadequate Safety Measures | Lack of proper guards, barriers, or protective equipment. | ||
| 5 | Psychosocial Factors | Peer Pressure | Influence from coworkers to engage in unsafe practices. |
| Job Insecurity | Fear of losing the job leading to compromise on safety. | ||
| Lack of Morale | Low employee morale reducing the motivation to follow safety protocols. | ||
| Burnout | Chronic workplace stress resulting in diminished vigilance and care. | ||
| 6 | Behavioral Factors | Complacency | Overconfidence leading to neglect of safety procedures. |
| Forgetfulness | Forgetting to follow safety steps due to habitual or automatic actions. | ||
| Inattention | Distractions or lack of focus leading to mistakes. | ||
| Misjudgment | Incorrect assessment of risks and hazards. | ||
| 7 | External Factors | Regulatory Changes | New or changing safety regulations not being well understood or implemented. |
| Economic Conditions | Financial constraints leading to cost-cutting on safety measures. | ||
| Technological Changes | Rapid adoption of new technologies without adequate training. | ||
| Societal Norms | Cultural attitudes towards risk and safety impacting behavior. |
Explanation:
- Human Factors: Relate to personal attributes and conditions that impact individual behavior and performance.
- Organizational Factors: Include the policies, culture, and practices within an organization that influence safety.
- Environmental Factors: Involve the physical surroundings that can affect safety.
- Technical Factors: Relate to the equipment and tools used in the workplace.
- Psychosocial Factors: Address the social and psychological environment of the workplace.
- Behavioral Factors: Concern the actions and decisions made by individuals that can lead to unsafe acts.
- External Factors: Include broader economic, regulatory, and societal influences that impact safety.
This table can serve as a guide for identifying and addressing the various antecedents that contribute to unsafe acts in different contexts.
Behaviour-Based Safety Consequence Table which are improving the unsafe acts behaviours
Behaviour based safety ABC model consequences table to improve unsafe acts and behaviors involves. Here we are showing & categorizing various actions and outlining corresponding consequences aimed at promoting safer practices. The table should include positive reinforcement for safe behaviors and corrective actions for unsafe behaviors. Here’s a sample layout for such a table:
Behaviour based Safety ABC Model Consequence table which are improving the Unsafe Act behaviours
| Category | Unsafe Act | Consequence | Improving Safe Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Not wearing required PPE | Verbal warning, followed by written warning, retraining | Recognition and rewards for consistent PPE use |
| Work Environment | Ignoring spills or hazards | Immediate clean-up order, formal warning | Incentives for reporting hazards promptly |
| Tools and Equipment | Using damaged tools | Tool confiscation, retraining on proper tool maintenance | Rewards for proper tool maintenance and reporting |
| Operating Procedures SOP/SMP | Bypassing safety procedures | Temporary suspension, mandatory safety training | Acknowledgment in team meetings for following procedures |
| Housekeeping | Leaving work area cluttered | Assigned clean-up duty, formal warning | Awards for maintaining a clean work environment |
| Communication | Failing to report unsafe conditions | Formal warning, safety briefing | Positive reinforcement for reporting issues |
| Ergonomics | Using improper lifting techniques | Ergonomics training, written warning | Prizes for demonstrating proper techniques |
| Chemical Handling | Improper storage or handling of chemicals | Immediate correction, retraining, written warning | Recognition for proper handling and storage |
| Vehicle Operation | Reckless driving of company vehicles | Suspension of driving privileges, retraining | Safe driving rewards program |
| Emergency Procedures | Not following emergency protocols | Mandatory participation in emergency drills, written warning | Commendations for proper emergency response |
BBS, ABC Model Consequences and Improvement Strategies:
- Verbal Warning: Immediate corrective feedback for minor infractions, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols.
- Written Warning: Documentation of repeated or serious violations to underline the severity and maintain a record for future reference.
- Retraining: Providing additional training sessions to address specific unsafe behaviors and reinforce the correct procedures.
- Recognition and Rewards: Implementing a system to acknowledge and reward employees who consistently follow safety protocols, such as “Safety Employee of the Month” awards.
- Incentives for Reporting: Offering incentives for employees who proactively report hazards or unsafe conditions, encouraging a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
- Temporary Suspension: Enforcing temporary suspension from specific duties for serious violations to highlight the seriousness of unsafe acts.
- Positive Reinforcement: Publicly recognizing individuals or teams who adhere to safety standards, fostering a culture of safety awareness.
By integrating both corrective actions and positive reinforcements, this table aims to create a balanced approach that not only addresses unsafe behaviors but also actively encourages and rewards safe practices.
7 Foundation Principles of Behaviour-Based Safety
These principles encapsulate the essence of Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) frameworks and provide a solid foundation for fostering a safety-oriented culture within an organization. Let’s break down each principle:
- Observable Behaviour Interventions: This principle emphasizes the importance of focusing on observable behaviours rather than abstract concepts or attitudes. By targeting specific actions that contribute to safety or risk, interventions can be more effectively designed and implemented.
- Understanding through External Factors: Acknowledging that behaviour is influenced by external factors such as environment, equipment, and procedures, this principle highlights the need to consider and address these influences in safety initiatives. Understanding these factors allows for more targeted interventions and improvements.
- Guidance and Motivation through Antecedents and Consequences: By utilizing antecedents (triggers) and consequences (rewards or punishments), organizations can guide and motivate employees towards safer behaviours. This principle underscores the importance of providing clear guidelines and feedback to reinforce desired actions.
- Reinforcement of Positive Behaviours: Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping behaviour. This principle emphasizes the need to recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviours, creating a cycle of continuous improvement and motivation.
- Measurable and Objective BBS Program: To effectively manage and improve safety performance, it’s essential to establish measurable metrics and objectives. This principle emphasizes the importance of using data-driven approaches to assess the effectiveness of BBS programs and identify areas for improvement.
- Innovative Thinking: Safety initiatives should not remain stagnant but should evolve to address changing circumstances and challenges. This principle encourages organizations to adopt innovative approaches and technologies to enhance safety practices continuously.
- Employee-Centric Approach: Finally, recognizing that employees are the heart of any safety program, this principle emphasizes the importance of involving and empowering workers in safety initiatives. By considering the perspectives and experiences of employees, organizations can develop more effective and sustainable safety cultures.
These seven principles provide a comprehensive framework for implementing Behaviour-Based Safety initiatives, fostering a culture of safety, and ultimately reducing workplace incidents and injuries.
Way to Implement Behaviour-Based Safety in The Workplace.
Implementing Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) in the workplace requires a structured approach to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
- Familiarize with the ABC Model: Begin by understanding the ABC (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) model, which forms the basis of BBS. This model helps in analysing behaviours by identifying the antecedents that trigger them and the consequences that follow. Familiarity with this model provides a framework for designing interventions.
- Analyse Previous Incidents and Close Calls: Conduct a thorough analysis of previous incidents, near misses, and close calls to identify patterns and root causes. This analysis helps in understanding the behaviours contributing to safety risks and informs the development of targeted interventions.
- Exercise Positive Reinforcement: Implement a system of positive reinforcement to encourage safe behaviours among employees. Recognize and reward individuals or teams for following safety protocols, reporting hazards, and actively contributing to a safer work environment. Positive reinforcement fosters a culture of safety and motivates continued compliance with safety procedures.
- Implement Interventions Cantered Around People: Develop interventions that focus on people and their behaviours rather than solely on systems or equipment. This may include providing training and coaching sessions to improve safety knowledge and skills, conducting safety observations to identify areas for improvement, and empowering employees to take ownership of safety in their work areas.
- Streamline the Reporting Flow: Establish a streamlined reporting process for incidents, hazards, and near misses to ensure timely identification and resolution of safety concerns. Encourage open communication and provide multiple channels for reporting, such as digital platforms or anonymous reporting systems. Regularly review and analyse reported data to identify trends and prioritize areas for intervention.
By following these steps, organizations can effectively implement Behaviour-Based Safety in the workplace, promoting a culture of safety, reducing the risk of incidents, and ultimately improving overall safety performance.
Elements of Behaviour-Based Safety Checklist
Your checklist should cover a broad spectrum of safety-related behaviours and conditions in the workplace. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of items you might consider including in a Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) checklist:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage:
- Are employees wearing the appropriate PPE for their tasks?
- Is PPE in good condition and properly maintained?
- Are there any instances of PPE misuse or non-compliance?
Safe Work Practices:
- Are employees following established safety procedures and protocols?
- Are safe work practices being consistently demonstrated?
- Are there any instances of risky or unsafe behaviours?
Workplace Environment:
- Is the workplace clean, organized, and free of clutter?
- Are there any potential hazards such as spills, tripping hazards, or obstructions?
- Is lighting adequate for safe working conditions?
Safety Training and Competency:
- Have all employees received adequate safety training?
- Are employees trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks safely?
- Are refresher training sessions conducted regularly?
Hazard Identification and Reporting:
- Are employees actively identifying and reporting potential hazards?
- Is there a system in place for reporting hazards, and is it being utilized effectively?
- Are hazards promptly addressed and mitigated?
Compliance with Safety Regulations:
- Are all safety regulations and standards being followed?
- Are observe any instances or non-compliance for regulatory/ statutory requirements?
Incident and Near-Miss Reporting:
- Are all incidents and near-misses being reported promptly?
- Is there a trend analysis of reported incidents to identify recurring issues?
Safety Communication:
- Is safety information effectively communicated to all employees?
- Are safety signs, labels, and warnings clearly visible and understandable?
- Is there open communication channels for safety-related feedback and suggestions?
Emergency Preparedness:
- Are emergency procedures clearly communicated and understood by all employees?
- Are emergency response equipment and resources readily available and maintained?
- Are emergency drills conducted regularly to ensure preparedness?
Continuous Improvement:
- Is there a process for reviewing and improving safety practices?
- Are safety meetings or discussions held regularly to address safety concerns?
- Are suggestions for safety improvements actively solicited and implemented?
By including these items in your BBS checklist, you can effectively monitor and assess safety-related behaviours and conditions in the workplace, leading to a safer and healthier work environment.
Limitations of the ABC model in Behaviour Based Safety management
The ABC model, which stands for Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence. It is a widely used framework in behaviour analysis and safety management. While ABC model offers valuable insights into understanding and addressing behaviours in the workplace, it also has some limitations:
- Complexity of Human Behaviour: Human behaviour is intricate and can be influenced by various factors beyond the simple ABC framework. Human emotions, past experiences, cognitive biases, and social dynamics can all play significant roles in shaping behaviour. These factors are not always captured adequately by the ABC model.
- Identifying Antecedents and Consequences: Identifying antecedents (triggers) and consequences of behaviour can be subjective. Different observers may interpret the same situation differently. Its leading to variations in identifying antecedents and consequences. This subjectivity can affect the accuracy and reliability of the analysis.
- Focus on Observable Behaviour: The ABC model primarily focuses on observable behaviours. He may neglect underlying psychological processes or internal states that influence behaviour. This limitation can be significant when dealing with complex behaviours or situations where internal factors play a crucial role.
- Limited Predictive Power: While the ABC model helps understand why certain behaviours occur in specific contexts. It may not always predict future behaviour accurately. People’s behaviours can change over time due to various internal and external factors. That may not be captured by the ABC model.
- Overemphasis on Consequences: The ABC model often places significant emphasis on consequences in shaping behaviour. While consequences are indeed influential. ABC model other factors such as individual differences, organizational culture, and systemic issues may also play crucial roles in behaviour management but are not explicitly addressed in the model.
- Inability to Address Complex Systems: In safety management, especially in complex work environments such as industrial settings or healthcare. the ABC model may oversimplify the interactions between various factors contributing to safety incidents. It may not adequately address systemic issues or organizational factors that contribute to safety lapses.
- Limited in Preventing Recurrence: While the ABC model can help in understanding why certain safety incidents occur. It may not provide comprehensive strategies for preventing their recurrence. Addressing underlying systemic issues and implementing proactive measures. It may require additional frameworks beyond the ABC model.
Despite these limitations, the ABC model remains a valuable tool for understanding and addressing behaviour in safety management. However, it should be used alongside other approaches and frameworks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and safety in the workplace.
Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) Conclusion
In conclusion, Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) offers a powerful framework for enhancing workplace safety when implemented effectively. It’s crucial to understand that BBS is not a one-time fix but rather an ongoing journey towards continuous improvement.
By embracing this perspective, organizations can cultivate a safety culture that thrives on feedback, learning, and adaptation. Regular evaluation and refinement of BBS processes are essential for keeping pace with evolving risks and challenges.
Central to the success of BBS is the active engagement of every individual within the organization. From frontline workers to top management, everyone plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining a culture of safety.
By prioritizing safety, companies not only ensure compliance with regulations but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of their workforce. Through consistent dedication to BBS principles, organizations can create lasting positive change and foster environments where employees feel valued, supported, and safe.