Introducing a Behavior Based Safety (BBS) program is a great way to change an organization’s safety culture, if done correctly. The programs I have seen over the years have taken many forms.

Let’s take a quiz.

Which of the following is the ideal form of a BBS program?

1. Finding fault with employee actions and making corrections (sometimes punitive actions)
2. Using behavior science to eliminate hazards or identify administrative controls
3. Analyzing observational data and rewarding good behavior through a “token” system

The ideal BBS program collects large amounts of information about employee habits to affect change and hopefully take the company’s safety program to the “next level”, even making it world-class. So, the answer is (b).

A successful BBS program requires the following pieces working in unison: 

• Dedicated involvement from every employee (even the CEO); including contractors and sub-contractors makes the program even stronger
• A method for collecting and evaluating the data
• Mechanisms for instituting change to policies, procedures, and systems
• Leadership’s willingness to admit that there’s a better way and to start over