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Behavior-based safety (BBS) training is a proactive approach to workplace safety that focuses on identifying and changing unsafe behaviors. It is based on the idea that most accidents and injuries are caused by unsafe behaviors rather than unsafe conditions. By addressing these behaviors, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Best Practices for Implementing BBS Training
There are several key components to a best practice approach to implementing behavior-based safety training:
Conduct a hazard assessment
The first step in implementing BBS training is to identify the hazards, unsafe acts, and risks (ie. near misses) present in the workplace. Through a formal hazard assessment process by trained professionals, they can identify and evaluate the potential risks associated with each task and activity in the workplace. With this information, you and your team can develop targeted BBS training programs to address the specific hazards, risks, and root causes identified.
Involve employees in the process
It’s important to involve employees in the BBS training process. This ensures that they feel invested in the program and understand the importance of safe behavior. Employees can also be involved in identifying hazards and potential solutions, while also helping to develop and implement BBS training programs.
Train employees on the BBS process
It’s essential to provide employees with training on the BBS process. This can include how to identify and report hazards, how to observe and analyze behaviors, and how to develop and implement corrective actions to address unsafe behaviors.
Encourage a culture of safety
To truly make a difference in workplace safety and your overall behavior based safety program, businesses must create a culture where safety is a top priority. This can involve promoting open communication about safety concerns, rewarding safe behavior, and holding employees accountable for their actions.
Review and assess the effectiveness of the BBS training
It’s important to regularly review and assess the safety performance effectiveness of the BBS training program. Doing so will ensure that it is meeting the needs of the business and is effectively addressing unsafe behaviors. Through the use of metrics like accident and injury rates, and employee feedback, you’ll identify successes and areas of improvement. Businesses can best measure and control the effectiveness through internal BBS inspections and audits. With tools like the BBS Observation Checklist, the sustainability of your BBS training efforts is tracked and compiled for better feedback.
30+ Audit and inspection checklists free for download.
When is Behavior Based Safety Training Needed?
Behavior-based safety training should be provided to all employees, regardless of their role or level within the organization. It’s particularly important for new employees as they may not be familiar with your safety expectations and protocols. Similarly, it’s essential to provide ongoing training and reinforcement to ensure that safe behaviors are consistently being followed.
How to Deliver BBS Training
There are a variety of methods that can be used to deliver behavior-based safety training, including:
Classroom training
A safety training course can be an effective way to provide training to large groups of employees, which allows for direct interaction and discussion.
Online courses
Online courses can be a convenient and flexible way to provide training to employees, as they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Hands-on practice
Hands-on practice can be an effective methodology to reinforce learning and ensure that employees are able to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
Visual reminders
Visual reminders such as signs and posters can be used to reinforce safe behaviors and serve as a constant reminder of the expectations for safe behavior in the workplace.
Overall, behavior-based safety training is an effective way to reduce safety risks in the workplace. This is done by identifying and addressing the behaviors that contribute to those risks. By implementing a best practice approach that includes identifying unsafe behaviors, establishing expectations, providing training, encouraging feedback and observation, and measuring and evaluating results, organizations can create a thriving safety culture, sustainability, and a more productive workplace.
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