Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Hot Work • Behavior Based Safety • JSA

Behavior Based Safety

Term from Safety industry explained for recruiters

Behavior Based Safety (BBS) is a workplace safety approach that focuses on what employees do, rather than just looking at accident statistics. It's like having a structured way to encourage safe practices by observing how people work, giving friendly feedback, and making improvements based on what's seen. Think of it as a positive coaching system for workplace safety, rather than a discipline program. The goal is to identify safe behaviors and reinforce them, while gently correcting risky actions before accidents happen. Companies use this approach alongside traditional safety rules to create a stronger safety culture.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Behavior Based Safety program resulting in 50% reduction in workplace incidents

Led team of 5 BBS observers conducting safety observations and feedback sessions

Trained 200+ employees in Behavior-Based Safety principles and observation techniques

Managed successful Behavioral Based Safety initiative across 3 manufacturing sites

Typical job title: "Safety Professionals"

Also try searching for:

Safety Manager EHS Manager Safety Coordinator HSE Professional Safety Specialist Behavioral Safety Consultant Safety Culture Leader

Where to Find Safety Professionals

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a Behavior Based Safety program in a resistant workplace culture?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss gradual implementation, employee involvement from the start, clear communication of benefits, and specific examples of success stories. They should mention building trust and showing visible leadership support.

Q: How do you measure the success of a BBS program beyond incident rates?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should include multiple metrics like participation rates, quality of observations, positive behavior changes, employee feedback, and leading indicators. They should emphasize the importance of both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of an effective BBS observation?

Expected Answer: Should mention objective observation, positive feedback, employee engagement, proper documentation, and constructive coaching. Should emphasize the importance of consistency and follow-up.

Q: How do you train employees to be effective BBS observers?

Expected Answer: Should discuss formal training programs, practical exercises, communication skills development, and methods to ensure quality observations. Should mention the importance of refresher training and feedback to observers.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Behavior Based Safety and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that BBS focuses on identifying and reinforcing safe behaviors rather than just following rules. Should mention its role in preventing accidents and building a positive safety culture.

Q: What's the difference between unsafe acts and unsafe conditions?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that unsafe acts are related to human behavior (like taking shortcuts), while unsafe conditions are physical hazards. Should understand how BBS primarily addresses unsafe acts.