By Brian R. Shmaefsky, PhD
Behavior-based training is the "hot" safety training philosophy that is generally misunderstood and under-appreciated by safety officers and trainers. Unlike other safety training strategies, behavior-based safety training process involving worker input and feedback to come up a safe work environment.
Regular evaluation based on worker experiences and assessments allow ongoing improvement for reducing hazardous situations and accidents. Traditional safety protocols involve teaching workers to fit into a prescribed environment following a predetermined set of protocols. It had little room for worker input or improvement.
What it has in common with other safety programs is that it is not a panacea for instantly eliminating all safe workplace concerns. All too often behavior-based safety is reluctantly implemented with the intent that it will fix all safety problems instantly. As a result the program appears to fail or give disappointing results. Behavior-based safety stresses an evolving management process that strives for improvement by continuous self-evaluation. It is not a stagnant program. Rather, it encourages change based on assessment of observations, failures and successes.
The common criticisms against behavior-based safety training are actually misunderstandings of its philosophy. First, it is not a fad, but a well-researched strategy of behavior modification founded on years of research conducted in industry and the military. Sometimes it is humorously called "rat psychology" safety training in reference to psychologist B.F. Skinners initial behavioral training studies using laboratory rats. However, unlike training rats, behavior-based safety involves the worker as a team member in the safety training and behavioral maintenance processes.
Second, many workers fear that behavior-based safety is designed to point blame workers is safety goals are not achieved. Any management system can be twisted to this outcome if it is used improperly for that purpose. Traditional safety programs identify individuals to an infraction, whereas, behavior-based training analyzes the behavior or condition without mentioning an individual. Behavior-based safety does not just focus on the worker. It is organized to address facilities, safety communication, evaluation, corrective actions, incentives and continuing education.
Third, the teamwork encouraged in behavior-based safety is not a non-productive "feel good" approach. Worker feedback and interaction with management is essential for molding a comprehensive and operative safe work environment. It is consistent with other quality improvement management models and works well as long as there is serious commitment from the management and workers.
The following elements are needed for implementing an effective and satisfactory behavior-based safety program:
Studies show that behavior-based safety is effective and does work if applied and carried-out properly.
Some recommended behavior-based books and media are:
| About the Author | |
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Brian R. Shmaefsky, PhD is a professor of biology at Kingwood College in Texas. He spent four years in industry as a production chemist serving on safety training committee. He has performed safety and hazardous materials training at the college level and as an independent consultant. He has written various publications on safety training and industrial hygiene. Email: Brian.Shmaefsky@nhmccd.edu |