3123 Human factors briefing note no. 14 – Behavioural safety

Overview:

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Behaviour observation: any formal programme of comparing by observation workplace behaviours with preplanned arrangements (e.g. safety critical procedures, work permits, method statements).

Behaviour modification: a systematic approach to achieving a change in ‘at risk’ behaviour whilst positively reinforcing safe behaviour (e.g. by coaching, system changes or other means).

Why behavioural safety?

An offshore installations managers’ safety survey for the Step Change in Safety Steering Group (Reference 1) indicated that they regarded behavioural safety as a key issue for their companies. Other briefing notes, especially Safety critical procedures, Safety culture and Human error and non-compliance raise the problem of people at work failing to observe rules, regulations and approved ways of working by citing cases of negative behaviours. This briefing note describes some issues not covered before, introduces methods for encouraging safe behaviour and gives positive case studies.

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