OBS Overview

Members of the Industrial Education Co-operative are concerned about the number, severity and I.E.C. of injuries to their employees. In addition to focusing attention on their own employees, the IEC Plant Managers have endorsed a plan to implement a Valley-Wide Observation Based Safety initiative for contractors servicing their sites. This plan was developed by the Contractor Safety Training Steering Committee made up of representatives from Industry and Contractor Labour and Management. The Sarnia Construction Association and Sarnia Building Trades have indicated their support for the plan.

An effective BBS program can have a dramatic impact on improving safety performance, because 90% of injuries can be prevented by modifying our working behaviour. We may know how to work safely, but we don't always apply that knowledge. One local company who implemented a BBS program for contractors a year ago has reduced their injury frequency by 40%!! Experience outside the area supports the success of BBS programs.

A co-ordinated Valley Wide initiative involving Industry and Contractor Management and Labour is being promoted to ensure consistency and standardization throughout the area. Individual sites and contractors will dictate the timing. Some are keen to get started immediately, while others plan to implement the program over the next 12 months or so.

The Approach

One of the following two approaches are recommended:

Owner/Client Driven Approach

Individual sites will form a BBS Steering Committee which ideally will include Contractor representation.
The site BBS Steering Committee will undergo training (1 day) on how to implement BBS at their site.
The site BBS Steering Committee will then develop behaviour lists and definitions and the observation process for the site (fine tune Valley Wide model to suit local site situation).
Implementation can usually begin 1-2 months after the BBS Committee is formed and trained.

Contractor Driven Approach

Individual Contractor organizations can go through a very similar process to the Owner/Client driven approach. They would receive the same training to ensure consistency across the Valley.

The Steering Team who developed the Valley-Wide plan hopes all contractors and their sub-contractors, construction and non-construction, union and non-union, servicing local industry will participate and so both individually and collectively we can realize significant improvements in safety performance.

The planning team further hopes that all contractors and their sub-contractors will ultimately manage their own BBS program and the BBS becomes a way of life, a process not a program.

Role of IEC Centre

Provide Training
Our aim is to provide a timely, I.E.C.-effective service and ensure a consistent standard across the Valley.
Collect and Analyze Statistics From Owner/Client
Valley-Wide results will be publicized, not information from individual companies.
Update Basic Safety Observation
Results of analysis and observation will be incorporated into the BSO program offered daily at the S/L Industrial Educational Co-Op.
Ensure Consistency Across the Valley
A role of I.E.C. Steering Committee is to keep abreast of the various BBS initiatives and strive for consistency

Implementation Criteria for BBS

Minimum Criteria (for BBS implementation)	Enhanced Criteria
Management: Senior management and Joint Health and Safety Committee (if applicable) have a good awareness of BBS. A functional BBS Steering Committee/Team exists (or for small companies a nominated BBS person) which: is trained in BBS (day 1 or equivalent) meets once a month monitors number of observations per month monitors quality of observation sheets i.e.: consistency of scoring looking for comments for both safe and "at risk" behaviours establishes "% safe" baseline and goal reviews monthly results and reports	Management: All members of senior management, Joint Health and Safety Committee (is applicable) and BBS Steering Committee/Team have received day 1 & 2 training and actively participate and promote BBS throughout their organization. Senior management have issued written statement supporting BBS and actively sponsors Steering Committee/Team. All members of Steering Committee/Team and trained observers have written performance expectations concerning BBS. All observers are positively reinforced on a regular basis by Senior management. Senior Management reviews monthly BBS reports and actively communicates key findings. BBS Steering Committee/Team has a written mandate endorsed by Senior management. Steering Committee/Team: monitors number of observations and observations pet month gives reinforcement to observers reviews and gives feedback on observers (especially R+) on quality of observation sheets reviews behaviour definitions for relevancy at least twice per year identifies improvement opportunities and ensures follow through identifies a "focus topic" and communicates this to all employees and co-ordinate action to address plans celebration in recognition of achievement of goals arranges spot auditing by third party to ensure quality of overall program at least twice per year
Observations: At least 10% of regular employees are trained as observers. Clear expectations have been communicated and agreed upon for observation frequency per observer and total number per month for the organization. Total numbers of observations per month are being done. Behaviour definitions are established, understood and being applied. Comments are shown on observation sheets for both "Safe" and "At Risk" behaviours. Observations are scored consistently. Observers give feedback to those being observed especially positive reinforcement, immediately following observations.	Observations: Strive to continuously increase the number of trained observers and ensure all observers are gainfully utilized. Observers should take refresher training at least every 2 years. Ensure all employees, especially those most vulnerable and most at risk, are actively included/involved in programs. Observers plan their observations and do more than the minimum required. Observers discuss "at risk" behaviours with those being observed, identify reason(s) for "at risk" behaviours and ask for ideas on how to correct. Observers clearly and concisely summarize the above on the observation sheet.
Administration & Feedback A convenient system is in place for collecting and processing completed observation sheets. Monthly BBS reports are issued to: Steering Committee/Team Senior Management IEC BBS observation findings are reviewed at least once a month with all employees at Safety Meetings (% safe baseline, goal, last month's % safe baseline and any key findings).	Administration and Feedback System in place for collection and processing of completed observation sheets is designed for maximum convenience and produces high quality reports in a timely manner BBS observation results and findings are reviewed at all Safety Forums, i.e. tool box talks, Safety Meetings, management meetings, etc. Results of observations are charted and posted for all employees to see and kept up-to-date at least monthly..