Implementing BBS: How to Effectively Roll Out the Project and Achieve Expected Results

From a Formalized Level to a Proactive One: Why Implement BBS

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) culture is not just a buzzword, but a specific set of management tools that allows shaping safe behavior among 100% of the staff. During the webinar, Yuri Kharmansky, an expert with 25 years of experience in HSE, details how to properly approach the implementation of this program. The speaker emphasizes a critical point: a broad rollout of BBS makes sense only after confidently passing the formalized level of safety culture (for example, according to the Hudson model). If basic processes are not established, the program will only cause irritation among employees.

Key Stages and Tools of Behavioral Audits

The foundation of BBS is behavioral audits and active observations. The speaker demonstrates by example that an audit is a formalized action with a checklist and subsequent analysis, whereas an observation is a proactive stopping of an unsafe act in the moment. It is important to choose the right moment to stop work so as not to create additional risks for the employee.

• Assessing reaction and ergonomics: How does a person react to the appearance of an auditor? Do they change their posture, do they start following the rules? Is it comfortable for them to work, is there a risk of occupational diseases?
• Checking PPE and order: Are the eyes, hands, and hearing organs protected? What surrounds the worker at their workplace?
• Analyzing instructions: Does the employee understand the rules for performing specific work?

Each of these points requires the auditor not just to record a fact, but to have the ability to conduct a dialogue.

The Art of Dialogue: How to Change a Worker's Attitude

The ultimate goal of a behavioral observation is not a filled-out checklist, but securing the worker's agreement to work safely. The presentation details the conversation algorithm. You should start with open-ended questions ("How did this happen?", "Why are you doing it this way?"), allowing the person to speak out. Then the situation is clarified with closed questions. Active listening creates an atmosphere of psychological safety and allows the worker to realize the risks of their behavior themselves. The speaker emphasizes: do not take on someone else's responsibility, let the worker tell you what they are doing wrong and how to fix it.

Embedding BBS into Corporate Culture

Any transformations must be consolidated systematically. For the successful functioning of BBS, the following are necessary:

• Simple procedures: Clear algorithms for conducting audits and observations.
• Reporting system: Data collection for analysis and resource reallocation.
• Integration into the HSE management system: Official consolidation of BBS tools in internal documents.
• Training new employees: Including BBS training in the onboarding process.

Only a comprehensive approach allows achieving the main goal — eliminating injuries and occupational diseases.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• At what stage of the company's safety culture development should BBS implementation begin?
• How to properly prepare top managers, auditors, and line personnel for the program?
• What five key categories should be paid attention to during a behavioral audit?
• How to build a dialogue with a violator so that they realize the risks and change their behavior?
• How to integrate BBS tools into the existing HSE management system?