Exploratory Analyses of the Effects of Managerial Support and Feedback Consequences on Behavioral Safety Maintenance

Abstract

Reviews indicate management commitment is vital to maintain behavioral safety processes. Similarly, the impact of observation frequency on safety behaviors is thought to be important. An employee-driven process which encompassed behavioral observations, goal-setting, and feedback was implemented in a paper mill with 55 workgroups using a within-group, time-series design. Data collected over 70 weeks show safety improved by 45% points with a corresponding 45% reduction of injuries. Management's demonstrable support was significantly associated with behavioral safety performance. Observation frequency appeared to be unrelated to the observed percent safe scores.

Key Words:

• Behavioral safety
• management commitment
• observation frequency
• goal-setting
• feedback