Enhancing Safety with Behavioural Based Safety (BBS) Programmes
Workplace safety is crucial to the health and well-being of employees, yet a significant portion of accidents in the workplace is not just the result of physical workplace hazards, but also human behaviour. Studies suggest that nearly 80% of workplace accidents are due to unsafe behaviours rather than unsafe conditions. This points to the need for organisations to not only focus on identifying and eliminating hazards but also to improve employee behaviours and attitudes towards safety. Here is where Behavioural Safety comes into play.
Behavioural Safety is a proactive, systematic approach designed to recognise and correct unsafe behaviours while encouraging safe work practices. By analysing and addressing the human factors that lead to accidents and incidents, organisations can create a more robust safety culture, significantly reducing workplace injuries.
If there is any way that we can assist, kindly leave your details for one of our Expert Consultants to give you a no-obligation call.
The Role of Leadership in Fostering a Safety-First Culture
The foundation of a successful Behavioural Safety programme lies in strong leadership. Frontline supervisors and managers play a pivotal role in setting the tone for safety standards within the organisation. If leaders exhibit complacency, neglect unsafe practices, or prioritise productivity over safety, this can send a message to employees that safety is secondary. This is a risky mindset that can permeate the workforce, resulting in a decline in safety-conscious behaviour
On the other hand, when leaders actively model safe behaviours and genuinely commit to the well-being of their teams, employees are more likely to follow suit. Effective safety leaders not only enforce safety rules but also involve workers in risk assessments, hazard identification, and incident investigations. This active participation not only promotes a sense of ownership but also empowers workers to take control of their safety and that of their peers.
Implementing a Behavioural-Based Safety (BBS) Programme
To effectively address unsafe behaviours, many organisations adopt formal Behavioural Based Safety (BBS) programmes as part of their safety management systems. These programmes are designed to actively engage employees, promote safe behaviours, and provide feedback on unsafe actions in a constructive manner. Below are the key steps to implementing a successful BBS programme:
Identifying critical safe and unsafe behaviours: Collaborate with employees to pinpoint specific actions that contribute to safety risks.
Observing behaviours: Trained observers monitor workplace behaviours and document both safe and unsafe practices, ensuring accurate reporting.
Providing feedback and recognition: Timely and constructive feedback on behaviour is essential. Recognise and reward employees for safe practices, reinforcing positive actions.
Addressing unsafe behaviours: Work with employees to identify the root causes of unsafe actions and implement corrective measures to eliminate these risks.
Continuous evaluation and improvement: Regular reviews of the BBS programme, incorporating employee feedback, will ensure continuous improvement.
By focusing on behavioural factors, BBS programmes enable organisations to shift their safety culture from compliance-driven to behaviour-driven. Employees not only follow procedures but internalise safe behaviours, creating a safer work environment.
Challenges of Behavioural Based Safety Programmes
Despite their benefits, Behavioural-Based Safety programmes are not without challenges. A common concern is the potential overemphasis on individual behaviours while neglecting the organisational and systemic factors that contribute to unsafe conditions. Factors such as time pressure, insufficient training, poor equipment design, and a negative workplace culture can heavily influence employee behaviour. These systemic issues need addressing in tandem with employee behaviour for a holistic safety improvement.
Additionally, there's the risk of the Hawthorne effect, where employees modify their behaviour because they know they are being observed. While this might provide short-term improvements in safety, it does not address long-term behaviour change. For BBS programmes to succeed, there must be trust between employees and management, so safety becomes a shared responsibility rather than something externally imposed.
Shaping a Culture of Safety
The ultimate goal of a Behavioural Safety approach is to create a workplace where safe behaviour becomes the norm, not the exception. By empowering employees, building strong leadership, and adopting a well-structured BBS programme, organisations can improve their occupational health and safety culture, reduce workplace accidents, and protect their most valuable asset—their people. When safety becomes an integral part of the organisational culture, the benefits are far-reaching, from higher employee morale to better productivity and reduced costs related to accidents.
A commitment to behavioural safety is more than just compliance—it's about fostering a culture of care and accountability. For companies serious about safety, investing in Behavioural Based Safety programmes is an essential step toward long-lasting improvements and ensuring a safer future for all employees.
Not using Walli yet? Scan the below QR Code to gain access
Elevate Your Health and Safety Management
Embrace our Triple P approach and transform your workplace into a haven of safety and productivity.
The SafetyWallet Triple P Health and Safety Management System is available at no cost to all SafetyWallet subscribers, and supported by MAKROSAFE ( an Authorised Dealership of SafetyWallet) team members. This means you are able to get a state-of-the-art system with operational support for your entity thereby improving the health and safety in the workplace as well as improving your legal compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.
Click on the image below to find a SafetyWallet Solution that suits your business (Branch/Site specific) and get the benefits along with the subscription:
To find out what other Additional Services we offer, please click on the picture below:
SAFETYWALLET In Co-operation with MAKROSAFE and MY SAFETY SHOP
Disclaimer:
Walli can make mistakes. Consider checking important information and please speak to SafetyWallet's support team, should you be in doubt. Please also see: https://www.safetywallet.co.za/termsandconditions
Leave a comment