The case for behaviour-based safety in construction

Construction continues to have the largest number of fatal and major injuries among UK industry groups and the general rates have shown only a small amount of change over the last few years. Safety processes can (and do) fail, resulting in injuries and incidents. Behavioural science uses data and analysis to come to conclusions about what is actually happening. Therefore, objectivity is at the core of behavioural science. This science of behaviour can help us produce more effective implementations of safety solutions. Behaviour-based safety (BBS) processes most typically involve careful observation of behaviour, feedback, and reinforcement designed to change behaviour in strategic ways. BBS processes recognise the workplace environment as the dominant factor in the creation of safe working. This focus on behaviour needs to be coordinated with the elimination of work hazards. The authors’ basic premise is that workplace injuries are reduced when their causes are understood. This paper will discuss the history, successes, and failures of BBS, and suggest fertile areas for improving traditional safety practices.