Introduction Observing & Correcting Unsafe Behaviors in Construction Session is about 30 minutes. Objectives: Identify how Unsafe behaviors increase the likelihood of Injuries & Fatalities Describe employer and supervisor responsibilities to prevent unsafe behaviors Learn the importance of Role Modeling and its Positive effect on Safety Culture Describe methods for Coaching & Mentoring unsafe behaviors
Introduction Construction Safety Culture Most workers realize the risks of construction Many workers have witnessed: Minor Injuries Severe Injuries Disabling Injuries Deaths Near Miss Events Construction is far from a desired Safety Culture
Introduction Workplace Statistics Every Hour: 15 People in the US will Die due to Injury 4,440 will require Medical Treatment That s EVERY HOUR! We must understand how and why injuries happen, to prevent them!
Unsafe Conditions Construction Safety Culture Cultural History Poor safety reputation for thousands of years Death and Injuries accepted as cost of progress No safety programs or processes Workforce was considered expendable
Unsafe Conditions History of Workplace Injuries Unsafe Conditions Causes of workplace deaths and injuries Existed everywhere One missed step resulted in serious injury or death Methods & Materials Crude when compared with todays standards Laws made unsafe conditions illegal Safety Tip: The tasks that a typical crane could accomplish in 8 hours today, would take hundreds of men, weeks or even months to complete in the past.
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors Why Workers Take Risks History shows that humans are slow learners Unsafe Paradigm It Wont Happen To Me Fatal flaw in safety reasoning What is a Paradigm?
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors Why Workers Take Risks Paradigm: The way an individual perceives, understands, and interprets the surrounding world. Rooted in our interpretation of: Previous Teachings Coaching or Training Experiences
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors Construction Safety Culture Flawed Safety Paradigm Leading cause of unsafe acts and behaviors Exists in both employees and management Injuries and deaths Affect both experienced and inexperienced Complacency is a leading cause for experienced workers While unsafe conditions do continue to contribute to injuries and deaths in the workplace, unsafe acts are by far the leading cause of them.
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors Key Motivators Flawed Safety Paradigm A culture that has accepted injuries and incidents as a part (cost) of doing business. Exists in both employees and management
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors Key Motivators OSHA Act of 1970 Enacted due to lack of industry commitment to safety Challenge is changing a culture that has historically been motivated by cost and schedule.
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors General Duty Clause Each Employer: shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
Understanding Unsafe Behaviors General Duty Clause Each Employee: shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
Understanding Risk Culture Adaptation Cultural Adaptation: An evolutionary process by which humans modify habits and customs to fit in within existing norms Active leadership influences changes more rapidly
Understanding Risk Culture Adaptation Cultural Influence Positive Message Good leadership and Commitment
Understanding Risk Normalization of Risk Perceptions of risk are influenced by: Individual, Social and, Organizational factors.
Understanding Risk Normalization of Risk Each influence an individual s acceptance of risk. The Normalization of Risk is a leading cause of serious injuries and deaths in our industry. Safety Tip: This normalization of risk is a fatal flaw in reasoning and the main reason that the death rates remain high in the construction industry.
Mitigating Risk What is Risk? A hazard; A source of danger; A possibility of incurring loss or misfortune; Taking a gamble on an expected outcome Reduced Risk- Higher Probability of Success Increased Risk- Lower Probability of Success
Mitigating Risk Identifying Risk Unsafe Conditions & Behaviors = Risk Must understand Risk Both Direct and Indirect consequences Look for Unsafe Conditions & Acts Can be obvious or take a trained eye to identify
Mitigating Risk Assessing Risk Risk Assessment is: A thorough look around the jobsite for unsafe: Conditions Behaviors Equipment Processes Work Methods Any situation that could cause harm to people
Mitigating Risk Calculating Risk Risk Matrix Uses Likelihood and Severity to categorize Risk High the likelihood and severity, higher the risk Lower the likelihood and severity, lower the risk Greatest Success Requires: Training Experience Unbiased eye
Mitigating Risk Implementation Preventive Measures Thought out and planned Must address the Root Cause Seek long term and sustainable solutions Team with all parties involved Joint solutions work best
Mitigating Risk Measuring Effectiveness Efforts must equal Results Corrective Actions: Must be effective Collect feedback from the field Ensure the right solution was implemented Reduces or eliminates risk Prevents injuries
Mitigating Risk Review Identify Assess Evaluate Implement Measure
Making a Difference Changing the Construction Culture To Change we need: Positive Role Models Coaches and Mentors Standardized Training Requirements Safe Work Procedures Safety Must Know NO Boundaries!
Making a Difference Safety Leadership Skills Successful Safety Leaders Possess: Excellent People and communication skills Work to gain Trust & Respect of Others Share your Vision & Passion Always Role Model! Safety Tip: Ask yourself: What did you do for safety today?
Making a Difference Engaging the Workforce Engaged in the safety program Volunteer to: Participate in safety committees Develop new safety programs Provide feedback on areas for improvement Show you care and are willing to make a difference Safety Tip: Ask your co-workers: What did you do for safety today?
Making a Difference Effective Training Training must focus safe working methods Effective Training: Addresses the needs of the employees Explains Safety Requirements and Zero Tolerance details Require testing for comprehension Feedback from trainees to enable continuous improvement Take Training Seriously!
Making a Difference Best Known Methods Improve your methods thru Benchmarking: Competitors Trade Organizations: Government Agencies Fed & State OSHA WORKSAFE BC Consultants Safety Tip: WORKSAFE BC is a Canadian organization with many available resources. Try the website link. http://www.worksafebc.com/default.asp
Making a Difference Coaching & Mentoring Skills The art of giving feedback: Give positive coaching as needed or requested Solicit feedback Give praise and recognition Seek Opportunities to: Listen Understand Praise desired behaviors Ensure 2-way communication exists between the you and the student Strive for interaction and verbal engagement Take the time to Coach and Praise behaviors Seek opportunities for direct feedback Talk with not down to.
Making a Difference Coaching Tips Set expectations for Safety Performance Recognize Safe Behaviors! Focus on the good things you see not just the negative. Coach Negative Behaviors! Be Consistent & Fair! Disciplinary actions may save lives
Making a Difference Which Role Will You Assume in Cultural Change? Defend the Status Quo? Reluctant to React? Or Enthusiastically Participate in Changing the Culture? You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mohandas Gandhi
In Review In Review YOU can make a huge difference Take 5 minutes everyday to coach safe behaviors Help make the US a leader in Construction Safety Thanks in advance for your support