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HSE-Q Training International

Behavior-Based Safety - If you can control the behavior, you can control the outcome.

Behavior-Based Safety is perhaps the newest hazards control system, it works side by side with other safety controls, in the present-day learning BBS is mandatory if you want to excel in the field of HSE and increase HSE performance in your firm.

OSHA recommends practices for safety and health programs that include the involvement of employees and managers in safety and hazard identification and assessment, and the BBS program fulfills this requirement.

Read more

Behavior-Based Safety - If you can control the behavior, you can control the outcome.

Behavior-Based Safety is perhaps the newest hazards control system, it works side by side with other safety controls, in the present-day learning BBS is mandatory if you want to excel in the field of HSE and increase HSE performance in your firm.

OSHA recommends practices for safety and health programs that include the involvement of employees and managers in safety and hazard identification and assessment, and the BBS program fulfills this requirement.

This is one of the essential courses that one must attend in the process of gaining his expertise in the field of health and safety.

This is an advanced level course and to carry forward you must be having some preliminary knowledge about working of the health and safety management system in the industries and in offices. This course is beneficial for those individuals who are already working in the field of health and safety and want to implement Behavior-Based Safety in their organizations, beneficial for team leads and supervisors who are managing a team of people and counter their different behaviors on daily basis, apart from this, even if you belong to a different department other than health and safety this course will help you to increase your knowledge about the Behavior-Based Safety.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Introduction to behavior-based safety and its key terminologies
  • Responsibilities of a manager, supervisor or a team leader in implementation of behavior-based safety
  • Responsibilities in implementation of behavior-based safety when you are part of a team
  • Incidents, types of incidents, contributing factors and causes of incidents
  • What are unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, near-misses and incidents
  • Behavior influences : what factors influences behavior; how to understand your team and their behaviors
  • Procedure and ethics of observations of behaviors
  • Reinforcement: what are they and how to make them effective
  • How to act on acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors; how to maintain personal dignity
  • What are the various means of employee motivation
  • How can we effectively use those techniques to enforce the system of behavior based safety
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Syllabus

Behavior Based Safety Training Program

In this section, you will be notified about the content list of this course, you will get to know what you are going to study in this course. We will study the concepts of Behavior-Based-Safety and how they contribute to an industrial environment. The concept of safety culture and safety cycle will be discussed and hoe we can shift the perspective from the safety cycle to safety culture. This is the most important and initial lecture.

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You will study the concepts of Behavior-Based-Safety and how they contribute to an industrial environment. The concept of safety culture and safety cycle will be discussed and hoe we can shift the perspective from the safety cycle to safety culture. This is the most important and initial lecture.

In this section, you will study about the roles and responsibilities you have to assign when you are going to implement a Behavior-Based Safety Management System. You will be going to know what are your responsibilities if you are a team player and what you have to do if you are in a leadership position. You will also study about the incident and its major contributing factors, you will also study about behavior which is the biggest factor in happening of an incident.

Identify some of the behaviors and unsafe conditions/personal factors

In the section, you will study the behavior influences, why we must observe it and how to do it, you will also study about how you can address those behaviors as a manager/supervisor or a person in a leadership position.

Behavior reinforcement is also a major task, all the above study will go to waste if the studied and observed behaviors are not enforced. There are various behavior reinforcement techniques that are used in the BBS studies.

Are these the effective safe behaviour reinforcements?

Employee motivation is one of the most important behaviors reinforcement techniques and motivation is dependent on various factors. It depends on financial as well as environmental factors which will be discussed in this section.

Imagine that you are Joe's supervisor. You notice that for the past several weeks, his safe behaviours have slipped and he seems reluctant to change. From the list below, what might you consider to try and improve his attitude and behaviour? Choose the correct options

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into OSHA-recommended practices for safety and health programs, specifically addressing employee and manager involvement in hazard identification and assessment
Offers techniques to understand team dynamics and address behaviors, which is directly applicable to managing teams and improving workplace interactions
Explores the shift from a safety cycle to a safety culture, which is a key concept in modern HSE management and organizational safety
Requires preliminary knowledge of health and safety management systems, suggesting it builds upon existing expertise rather than starting from scratch
Examines behavior reinforcement techniques, which are essential for sustaining safe behaviors and improving overall safety performance in the workplace
Discusses employee motivation in the context of BBS, which is crucial for fostering a positive safety culture and encouraging active participation

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Reviews summary

Behavior based safety program implementation

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding and implementing Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs. Many found the content to be clear and concise, particularly appreciating the coverage of safety culture, incident causation, and observation techniques. Reviewers frequently mention the course's practical applicability and relevance for professionals in HSE and management roles seeking to improve workplace safety. While generally positive, some felt the course could benefit from exploring certain topics in more depth or including practical examples.
Highly relevant for HSE professionals and managers.
"This course is essential for anyone in the HSE field."
"As a supervisor, I found the sections on managing team behavior particularly useful."
"Highly recommend for safety officers and team leads looking to implement BBS."
Concepts are explained clearly and understandably.
"The course explains the key concepts of BBS clearly."
"The content is well-structured and easy to follow, making complex ideas simple."
"I found the explanations of safety culture and behavior influences very clear."
Learners can immediately apply principles to their work.
"I can immediately apply the techniques learned in this course to my workplace."
"The information on observation and reinforcement is very practical for my role."
"It provided practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Good starting point, but could be more advanced.
"It's a good introductory course, but I wish it went into more advanced topics."
"While comprehensive for a beginner, those with prior knowledge might find it basic."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on implementation challenges or specific industry examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Behavior Based Safety :Implementing a Successful BBS Program with these activities:
Review Incident Investigation Techniques
Reviewing incident investigation techniques will provide a solid foundation for understanding how behaviors contribute to incidents, a key concept in Behavior-Based Safety.
Browse courses on Incident Investigation
Show steps
  • Review past incident reports and identify common contributing factors.
  • Research different incident investigation methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram).
  • Summarize key learnings and how they relate to behavior.
Develop a Behavior-Based Safety Observation Checklist
Creating a checklist will help structure observations and ensure consistent data collection.
Show steps
  • Identify key behaviors related to safety in a specific work area.
  • Define clear and measurable criteria for each behavior.
  • Design a user-friendly checklist format.
  • Pilot test the checklist and revise as needed.
Review 'The Behavior-Based Safety Process' by Terry McSween
Reading this book will provide a comprehensive understanding of Behavior-Based Safety principles and implementation strategies.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the implementation chapters.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Relate the book's content to the course syllabus.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in Peer Observation Exercises
Practicing observation skills with peers will improve accuracy and consistency in identifying safe and unsafe behaviors.
Show steps
  • Pair up with a classmate.
  • Observe a simulated work environment or video.
  • Independently record observations.
  • Compare notes and discuss discrepancies.
Conduct a Behavioral Observation Pilot
Starting a small-scale behavioral observation project will provide hands-on experience in identifying and addressing unsafe behaviors.
Show steps
  • Identify a small team or work area for the pilot.
  • Develop an observation checklist based on identified hazards.
  • Conduct observations and provide feedback.
  • Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a BBS Training Module for Employees
Creating a training module will reinforce understanding of BBS principles and how to communicate them effectively to employees.
Show steps
  • Outline the key concepts of BBS to be covered.
  • Develop engaging content, including examples and scenarios.
  • Create a quiz to assess understanding.
  • Present the module to a small group for feedback.
Review 'Safety Culture and High-Risk Environments' by Andrew Hopkins
Understanding safety culture will provide a broader context for implementing and sustaining a successful BBS program.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to organizational culture.
  • Identify key elements of a strong safety culture.
  • Consider how to integrate these elements into a BBS program.

Career center

Learners who complete Behavior Based Safety :Implementing a Successful BBS Program will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Safety Manager
A Safety Manager oversees the safety of a workplace, developing and implementing safety policies. This course equips a Safety Manager with the tools necessary to implement a behavior based safety program. This helps in reducing incidents by focusing on the human element. By understanding how to shift from a safety cycle to a safety culture, a Safety Manager can foster a more proactive approach to safety. This course will allow a Safety Manager to not only identify hazards, but also the behaviors that lead to those hazards. The course also covers how to properly reinforce safe behavior and address unsafe behavior, which are important aspects of a Safety Manager's role.
Health and Safety Coordinator
A Health and Safety Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing health and safety programs within an organization. This role requires a deep understanding of risk management and behavior modification. This course is extremely useful for a Health and Safety Coordinator, as it directly addresses how to implement a Behavior Based Safety program. The course material focuses specifically on identifying unsafe behaviors and using reinforcement techniques to encourage safe work practices. By completing this course, a Health and Safety Coordinator will be better equipped to promote a positive safety culture and reduce the incidence of workplace accidents. The course dives into the concept of motivation and the different factors that affect it, which is a useful insight for the Health and Safety Coordinator.
Safety Specialist
A Safety Specialist works to ensure a safe working environment by identifying hazards and implementing safety protocols. This course is highly relevant to a Safety Specialist, as it emphasizes the importance of behavior-based safety, a key component in preventing workplace incidents. By learning how to observe, analyze, and reinforce safe behaviors, a Safety Specialist can more effectively foster a culture of safety. This course particularly provides a framework for understanding the principles of Behavior Based Safety and how they contribute to overall safety performance. The course covers the responsibilities of leaders and team members in implementing these safety principles.
Safety Consultant
A Safety Consultant advises organizations on best practices for workplace safety, helping to develop and implement effective safety programs. This course is highly useful for a Safety Consultant, as it provides an understanding of Behavior Based Safety, a critical concept in modern safety management. The techniques and content in this course provide a framework for analysis and implementation of safety programs. This course helps a Safety Consultant understand how to shift to a safety culture and reinforce safe behaviors and address unsafe practices, which are all essential when providing safety advice.
Operations Supervisor
An Operations Supervisor typically oversees the day-to-day activities of a team, and often plays a key role in ensuring workplace safety. This course is especially beneficial for an Operations Supervisor, as it provides the tools needed to understand and implement a behavior based safety program. The course covers topics such as identifying unsafe acts and conditions, and how to address non-acceptable behaviors. Additionally, the course emphasizes leadership roles in maintaining safety standards, which is directly relevant to the responsibilities of the Operations Supervisor. The curriculum covers a variety of important topics for a person charged with managing a team, such as the roles and responsibilities of someone in a leadership position and how to reinforce good behaviors.
Loss Control Specialist
A Loss Control Specialist works to prevent workplace accidents and reduce financial losses related to incidents. This course is highly applicable to a Loss Control Specialist's work as it provides a key understanding of behavior based safety. The course dives into the specifics of implementing a behavior based safety program, which includes identifying unsafe behaviors and reinforcing positive actions. By effectively understanding the behavioral aspects of safety, a Loss Control Specialist can implement preventative measures and reduce the incidence of accidents. The course focuses on how to encourage employee motivation and also covers the ethical aspects of observations of behaviors.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist ensures compliance with environmental and workplace safety regulations, working to prevent accidents and promote safe practices. This course is particularly relevant for an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. The material teaches the importance of behavior based safety, which is essential for preventing incidents and promoting a positive safety culture. This course focuses on the components of a behavior based safety system, such as observation, reinforcement, and incident analysis, all of which are essential tools for this role. The course also provides guidance on how to implement behavior based safety, and the responsibilities required to maintain such a program.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that an organization adheres to safety regulations and policies. This course allows a Compliance Officer to understand and implement a Behavior Based Safety program, a practice recommended by OSHA, to ensure compliance with safety standards. The course introduces key terminologies of Behavior Based Safety, and the roles and responsibilities of a team leader or team member implementing such a system. This course is also useful to a Compliance Officer as it will teach them how to observe behaviors, understand behavioral influences, and enforce safe behaviors.
Risk Management Analyst
A Risk Management Analyst is charged with identifying and assessing potential risks to an organization, including workplace safety hazards. This course can be helpful to a Risk Management Analyst, because it introduces the principles of Behavior Based Safety, which is a hazard control system. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding behaviors that might lead to incidents. A Risk Management Analyst can use this knowledge to develop more effective strategies for reducing risk. The course explores factors that influence behavior and techniques for reinforcing positive and safe behaviors, which are important skills when developing risk mitigation strategies.
Project Manager
A Project Manager leads teams and ensures projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course offers a crucial perspective on Behavior Based Safety, a key component in minimizing workplace accidents. A Project Manager will particularly benefit from the material on understanding the roles and responsibilities of all team members, as well as leadership’s role in safety. This course teaches how to analyze incidents and identify underlying causes, including the human factors contributing to them. The course also covers how to reinforce safe behaviors, which can be integrated into project management practices.
Process Improvement Specialist
A Process Improvement Specialist works to enhance organizational processes, often focusing on efficiency and safety. This course may be helpful for a Process Improvement Specialist because it provides a framework for a Behavior Based Safety system, which is a specific way to enhance safety protocols. The course addresses how to observe behaviors, reinforce positive actions, and address unsafe practices. This approach can be integrated into the larger process improvement initiatives. The course also covers the importance of employee motivation which is important to consider when implementing new process changes.
Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist focuses on workplace hazards, aiming to control and mitigate health risks by analyzing the work environment. Although this role is more technically focused, this course may be helpful for an Industrial Hygienist because it explores the human element of safety, specifically focusing on behavior-based strategies to mitigate incidents. The course goes into detail regarding the factors that influence behavior and how to address unsafe behaviors constructively. It also touches on the importance of employee motivation, which can be useful information for fostering a more safe and healthy work environment.
Training and Development Specialist
A Training and Development Specialist creates and implements training programs for employees, and this course may be useful because it offers a specific approach to safety training. The course introduces techniques for implementing Behavior Based Safety, emphasizing the importance of active engagement in safety protocols. The course material can help a Training and Development Specialist in designing more effective safety training programs. The course also dives into the topic of employee motivation and the different factors that affect it, which is a valuable insight for anyone designing training.
Human Resources Specialist
A Human Resources Specialist focuses on employee relations and workplace policies, and often plays a role in promoting a safe work environment. This course may be useful for Human Resources Specialists as they often contribute to developing safety programs, as understanding the behavioral components of safety can lead to more effective policies. This course provides insights into behavior modification through a safety lens. The course also includes elements such as employee motivation and how to reinforce positive behavior, which aligns well with responsibilities of a Human Resources Specialist.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst monitors processes and procedures to ensure they meet quality standards. This role often involves looking at processes in terms of efficiency and safety, so this course may be helpful for a Quality Assurance Analyst. By implementing a behavior based safety system, a Quality Assurance Analyst can identify and mitigate unsafe practices in the workplace. The course teaches techniques to observe behaviors, reinforce safe practices, and address non-compliant behaviors. Therefore, the course provides tools to improve safety culture, which is often related to the overall quality of work.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Behavior Based Safety :Implementing a Successful BBS Program.
Comprehensive guide to implementing a Behavior-Based Safety program. It covers the theoretical underpinnings of BBS, practical implementation steps, and common challenges. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. It provides a deeper understanding of the principles and practices discussed in the course.
Explores the concept of safety culture and its impact on safety performance in high-risk industries. It provides insights into how organizational culture can influence behavior and contribute to accidents. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It adds more depth to the course by examining the broader organizational context of Behavior-Based Safety.

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