BBS (Behaviour-Based Safety)
Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) is a proactive safety approach that focuses on observing, measuring and reinforcing safe worker behaviours to reduce at-risk actions and prevent injuries.
What Is Behaviour-Based Safety?
Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) is grounded in the principle that most workplace injuries result from at-risk behaviours rather than unsafe conditions alone. BBS programs use systematic peer observations to identify at-risk behaviours, provide immediate feedback and reinforce safe practices.
How BBS Works
- Identify critical behaviours: Analyze incident data to determine which behaviours contribute most to injuries.
- Develop observation checklists: Create standardized checklists targeting those behaviours.
- Conduct peer observations: Trained observers watch coworkers and note safe and at-risk behaviours.
- Provide feedback: Observers give immediate, constructive feedback focused on the behaviour, not the person.
- Analyze data: Aggregate observation data to identify trends and systemic issues.
- Drive improvement: Use insights to adjust training, procedures and the work environment.
BBS Criticisms and Balance
Critics argue BBS can place too much blame on workers while ignoring systemic hazards. Effective programs balance behavioural observations with strong engineering and administrative controls, as outlined in the Hierarchy of Controls.
Track BBS Observations Digitally
Make Safety Easy offers digital observation forms that make BBS data collection fast and analysis automatic - trend dashboards highlight which behaviours need attention.