Behavior-Based Safety Program

Chapter Section

CONDUCTING OBSERVATIONS OF EMPLOYEES WORK BEHAVIOR

Observations provide direct, measurable information on employee work practices identifying both safe and unsafe behaviors.  The process starts with the observation of workers – fellow employees, other contractor employees and customer employees as they perform their tasks. Observers collect information about worker performance and provide feedback via the observation card. The emphasis is not on who was observed but rather what behavior was observed.

During the observation, the observer records their findings on the BBS Observation Form.  Items to be observed include but are not limited to:

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Procedures / Methods
• People
• Work Environment
• Equipment

Upon completion of an observation the observer is expected to have a discussion with the observed to get feedback.  The observer will:

• Review the observation with observed employee.
• Start with a positive comment.
• Reinforce safe behaviors observed first.
• Describe and discuss unsafe behaviors observed.
• Solicit from observed employee explanation of his/her unsafe behavior with open-ended questions.
• Re-emphasize no consequence to observed employee.

Documenting feedback allows workers to assess what should be repeated and what should change to reduce risks in the workplace.