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Behavioral Safety from the
Consumer's Perspective

When is "Behavioral Safety" not Behavioral Safety?

Grainne A. Matthews

When it:

  • Teaches generalized, abstract theory without offering concrete, proven methods for changing performance.
  • Recommends strategy and methods based on anecdotes or individual experience rather than scientific evidence.
  • Says that you will see results in the long run but you can’t expect immediate improvements.
  • Claims success when people’s safety attitudes or awareness changes without observing an increase in actual safe actions and a decrease in incidents and injuries.
  • Addresses only antecedents and does not arrange for strengthened consequences, e.g., concentrates on training or education.

Behavior Engineering Matrix Example

QUESTION ANSWER SOLUTION
Do the drivers know that they are expected to conduct a good inspection? Yes, they have all received training for tow motor driving that includes this expectation.  
Do they know how to conduct a thorough inspection? Yes, they have been trained on completing the checklist.  
Do they know the expected standard for inspections? No, we don’t have an explicit, objective standard. Specify a standard for an exemplary inspection and train the drivers.
Do they have all the resources needed to conduct the inspections, such as time and materials? Yes, there is enough time and there are always enough checklists and pens in the warehouse.  
Are there any contingent, PIC consequences for a good inspection? No, there is no contingent positive, immediate, certain consequence. Design a system that delivers contingent, meaningful PIC consequences.
Do the drivers know the importance of conducting a good inspection? Yes, they can tell you what could happen if tow motor systems fail.  
Can they distinguish between good and poor inspections? Yes, everyone can describe and identify a good inspection.  
Do they know how to conduct a good inspection? Yes, when tested, they all conduct excellent inspections.  
Are they capable of conducting a good inspection? Yes, almost anyone can do this.  
Do they care if they conduct a good inspection? No, it is unlikely that they will experience any meaningful consequences for conducting a good inspection. Implement the new system and verify that the new contingent consequences are meaningful to the drivers.

Functional Analysis Example
Desired Performance
Safe Performance: Inspect Tow Motor

CONSEQUENCE POSITIVE /
NEGATIVE		 IMMEDIATE /
DELAYED		 CERTAIN /
UNCERTAIN
Delayed startup N I C
Avoid reprimand P I / D U
Avoid incident P I / D U
Friends tease N I / D C
Find problem, have to repair, find another vehicle, complete form, etc N I U

Performance That is NOT Desired
Unsafe Performance: Drive Without Inspection

CONSEQUENCE POSITIVE /
NEGATIVE		 IMMEDIATE /
DELAYED		 CERTAIN /
UNCERTAIN
Get started right away, get more work done P I C
Avoid hassles of finding a problem P I C
Avoid teasing by friends P I C
Broken equipment causes incident N D U

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This paper was originally presented at the Behavioral Safety Now 1998 conference.