March 14, 2025

BEHAVIOUR BASED SAFETY (BBS) PROGRAM

Criteria and Strategies:

The psychological concept of Behavior-Based Safety (BBS), also known as behavioral safety, was first studied and applied between 1968 and 1972 by Aubrey Daniels, Wanda Myers, and others. Research over the past 15 years has demonstrated that observing and modifying worker behavior (through motivation) can significantly reduce workplace accidents.

The Hawthorne Studies (Part 8.3.1) revealed that a behavioral approach was more effective in reducing accidents than changes in physical working conditions such as lighting, working hours, or rest intervals. This finding serves as the foundation of the BBS concept.

Fundamentals of Behavior-Based Safety (BBS):

The BBS approach focuses on identifying, promoting, and reinforcing safe behaviors among workers. The process involves observing performance, providing feedback, and measuring accident reduction. This approach is often referred to as performance management.

In some cases, a design team is formed, comprising shop-floor workers, supervisors, and safety department representatives. This team is responsible for:

  1. Establishing criteria for observing unsafe practices or acts.
  2. Developing a coaching process to guide workers in improving safety behaviors and reducing unsafe acts.
  3. Utilizing observational data to assess unsafe behaviors.
  4. Supporting the improvement process by motivating workers toward safer practices.
  5. Organizing training programs if needed.
  6. Ensuring the sustainability of the BBS process.

Steps in Implementing BBS:

  1. Identifying and observing unsafe behaviors or acts within the organization and collecting relevant data.
  2. Defining a set of model behaviors to mitigate unsafe acts.
  3. Providing short training sessions for workers to address unsafe behaviors, management observations, and the importance of safe practices.
  4. Monitoring and recording the consistency and frequency of improved behaviors.
  5. Collecting feedback and reinforcing safe behaviors.
  6. Utilizing collected data for recognition, problem-solving, and continuous safety improvements.

Through this systematic approach, behavioral psychology is leveraged to enhance workplace safety and reduce accidents.


Management Techniques:

To effectively implement the BBS (Behavior-Based Safety) concept, the following management control techniques should be applied:
  1. Form a dedicated team of selected workers responsible for recording observations, developing support materials, and conducting training.
  2. Identify key elements or focus areas and determine specific steps for addressing each.
  3. Conduct a full-day planning meeting instead of shorter sessions to allow for comprehensive discussions.
  4. Develop customized implementation steps rather than replicating strategies from other companies.
  5. Avoid delays by starting implementation after training approximately 20% of workers, while continuing training for the remaining employees. This ensures an early start to observing results.
  6. Minimize redundant training—team members who are already trained do not require retraining.

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