In the energy field, safety is about the choices we make every day. Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) reminds us that small actions, like a quick check of equipment or looking out for a colleague, can prevent big accidents and keep everyone healthier, safer, and more productive. In this article, we will explore what BBS means, why it works, and how you can apply it in your daily work.
What is Behavior-based safety(BBS)?
Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) is a proactive and data-driven approach to workplace safety that focuses on workers’ everyday actions and decisions. Instead of looking only at rules or procedures, BBS emphasizes what people actually do, what happens afterward, and how those behaviors can be encouraged or improved.
In practice, it means observing behaviors, analyzing the consequences, and reinforcing the positive ones that reduce risks. For example, a simple act like checking your footing on a wet surface or adjusting your PPE correctly can prevent serious incidents. By focusing on small daily choices, BBS helps build a culture where safety becomes second nature, keeping both individuals and teams safer and healthier on the job.
Why behavior-based safety works?
Behavior-Based Safety works because it focuses on people, their actions, habits, and the way they support each other in the field.
Positive reinforcement builds habits: People respond better to encouragement than punishment. Recognizing and reinforcing safe behaviors makes them more likely to become daily habits, creating a stronger safety culture.
Teamwork strengthens wellbeing: BBS encourages colleagues to watch out for each other. A quick PPE reminder, or checking if a teammate is alert, helps protect the whole team.
Seasonal awareness prevents incidents: In autumn and winter, conditions become more hazardous, shorter daylight, slippery surfaces, and colder weather. Small behavior changes, like checking footing, adjusting PPE, or ensuring proper lighting, play a big role in preventing accidents.
How to Successfully Implement BBS
Putting Behavior-Based Safety into practice requires the right structures in place. Here are key steps to make it work:
1. Gain leadership support
- Management must actively participate in BBS initiatives.
- Leaders set the tone by reinforcing positive behaviors and showing commitment to continuous improvement.
2. Train everyone on BBS principles
- Run workshops on how to observe and intervene constructively.
- Teach colleagues how to give and receive safety feedback in a respectful, practical way.
- Share the psychology behind why behavior change works.
3. Develop an observation & feedback system
- Encourage employees to observe and report unsafe behaviors without fear of blame.
- Promote peer-to-peer coaching instead of punishment.
- Make feedback supportive and solution-oriented, not threatening.
4. Use data to improve safety performance
- Collect and review behavioral data regularly.
- Look for trends, especially around high-risk behaviors.
- Adapt safety programs based on findings to continuously improve.
5. Reward and reinforce positive behavior
- Recognize safe behaviors through appreciation, incentives, or team shoutouts.
- Use praise to encourage repetition of safe actions.
- Celebrate safety excellence so that it becomes part of team culture.
Practical tips for field workers
Beyond formal programs, here are a few everyday practices that can make a big difference in staying safe and well in the field:
- Pause before tasks: Take a few seconds to scan your surroundings and assess risks before starting any activity.
- Look out for each other: A quick reminder about PPE or a check-in with a teammate can prevent incidents and build trust.
- Speak up early: If something feels unsafe, raise it right away, small concerns can grow into big risks if ignored.
- Adjust with the seasons: In colder or darker months, be extra mindful of footing, visibility, and energy levels.
- Keep wellbeing in mind: Managing stress, staying hydrated, and taking breaks help you stay alert and focused.
Our priority is safety, building stronger habits in the field
Behavior-Based Safety reminds us that safety is not just rules, but also about people, choices, and how we look out for each other every day. By reinforcing safe habits and staying mindful of seasonal challenges, we can create safer and healthier workplaces together.
At WTS Energy, we care deeply about the people who work with us. Your safety and wellbeing are always our top priority, and we are committed to building a culture where everyone goes home safe, every day.
