Is Your BBS Process SIF Savvy?

August 25 2019
By: Terry L. Mathis

Behavior-based safety (BBS) has been accused of reducing minor accidents but not reducing SIFs (serious incidents and fatalities). It doesn't have to be so. Observers are generally taught to look for the items on their checklist and write comments on anything else they observe that causes safety concerns. Many organizations that look at potential SIFS (PSIFs) are adding these items and the behaviors related to them to their checklist.

Is Your BBS Process SIF Savvy? Since there are generally more observers than safety managers or supervisors, more data on PSIFs is gathered and analyzed. This larger set of data is potentially better at predicting and preventing SIFs. Before rushing into creating new infrastructure and programs to address SIFs, make your existing programs SIF savvy and then see if you need anything more to address the issue.


Terry L. Mathis

Terry Mathis, Founder and retired CEO of ProAct Safety, has served as a consultant and advisor for top organizations the world over. A respected strategist and thought leader, Terry has authored five books, numerous articles, videos and blogs, and is known for his dynamic and engaging presentations. EHS Today has named him one of the '50 People Who Most Influenced EHS' four consecutive times. Business leaders and safety professionals seek Terry's practical insight and unique ability to introduce new perspectives that lead to real change.





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