Behavior-Based Safety is a relatively new term that is better known as “BBS” (Behavior-Based Safety). It is a preventive model that focuses on the analysis of the behaviors and actions of employees in their workplaces and the use of appropriate resources to significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Organizations that are on a quest to create healthier and more productive work environments can employ the BBS approach, for example, to detect preventable injuries caused by inexperience or improper use of equipment.
The BBS model should go hand in hand with the use of a powerful EHS management software that incorporates, for example, mobile applications for real-time and offline reporting of Incidents and Observations, or that includes some areas such as: Artificial Intelligence, ‘Big Data’, predictive analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), Drones, Sensors, smart EPIS, etc. that make it easier for companies to obtain useful data for Health and Safety managers to make better decisions to minimize workplace accidents.
Fewer accidents, higher productivity
Management Quality expert Tim Lozier has posted on the ‘EHS Today’ website a publication that provides answers to the most common questions posed by corporations that are in search of preventive improvements in their employees’ exposure to hazards.
In the article we reference: https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/behavior-based-safety-frequently-asked-questions. The most frequently asked question has been: What are the benefits of BBS?
The answer given is that BBS can reduce injuries by up to 80%, and proactive risk management will improve working conditions, improve employee morale and ultimately create a happier workplace. Managing risks early, before they become incidents or problems, is far less costly than investigations, compensation, remediation and employee absence.
In conclusion, the BBS helps ensure that employees are protected and do not suffer from workplace-related illnesses or injuries. This will improve productivity and profitability and reduce the risk of loss due to absenteeism and its possible legal repercussions that may arise.
A change of mentality with respect to occupational health and safety
The BBS is a flexible model that adapts to any type of industry, but can also be tailored to each organization, and can even be optimized with the use of technologies that adapt to the needs of management and staff.
The best approach to introducing BBS would be for management to provide guidance and training, but in addition it can use a framework to rate and evaluate various workplace behaviors.
This is where communication and the commitment of employees play an important role, as they must accept these approaches and assume responsibility for the BBS in their tasks and activities.
Best areas to implement BBS
There are several areas that need to be monitored, measured and improved to enhance the BBS:
● Training and education.
● Equipment and protection.
● Work environment and risks.
● Operating systems and practices.
● Policies and processes.
● Risk assessment and mitigation.
Compare your risk expectations with the actual results observed.
The correct use of the data obtained from the BBS model is the key. Employees are typically observed and measured as they perform daily tasks, through various activities.
The information obtained could be used in this way:
Behaviors could be graded and analyzed depending on how they contribute to safer or riskier work practices. They can also be compared with actual results to evaluate new action plans.
Once behaviors, activities and results have been analyzed, the data can drive action plans.
Managers and employees can work together to create BBS guidelines and best practices based on empirical data. These guidelines are formalized in action plans and employees can receive training based on risk reduction.
Practical example: Improved safety performance thanks to BBS
An example of BBS, risk management and security performance could be:
● Employee Training: Establish minimum compliance safety criteria for all the different jobs in your organization.
● Safe Workplaces: Set realistic productivity targets with minimal risk. Measure and incentivize staff for fast and accurate achievement of objectives.
● Quality Management: Establish risk levels to propose more appropriate action plans: training, reforms and changes in production plants, changes in operations or frequency of equipment maintenance, etc.
● Laragon offers the best technology solutions to pilot these processes, working with global market leaders in EHS and Operational Risks.
If you would like to know more about our experiences with clients in this area, please contact us by calling us at: +34 91 254 7019 or by email: [email protected].
