Behavior Based Safety Program Update: Working Together is Working!

 

Behavior Based Safety Program Update: Working Together is Working!



Since implementing our company-wide Behavior Based Safety (BBS) program in June 2018, MetroPower has been able to identify and respond to unsafe behaviors — before they become accidents. We are grateful to our employees for this accomplishment, whose participation in the program demonstrates their commitment to each other and to creating the safest workplace possible.

 

A successful first year

In 2019, MetroPower employees submitted a total of 5,420 Behavior-Based Observations. The most frequently observed at-risk behaviors were: Line of Fire, PPE, and Loss of Balance/Traction/Grip. The Safety Department is incorporating employee feedback into our 7-Minute training sessions by focusing on at-risk behaviors reported most frequently and how those risks can be mitigated.

 

Employee participation and feedback has led to other safety improvements. We are currently using and promoting thinner cut level 4 gloves, which allow more dexterity while working with the same level of cut protection. We are also testing the Little Giant King Kombo 3-in-1 ladder to reduce risk in both line of fire and loss of balance.

 

2020 and beyond

Dedicated employee participation in BBS will continue to be crucial in upholding our safety in 2020. NFPA-70E training is currently being redesigned, and the new course will be simplified with more concise explanations of what is considered “hot work” and easy-to-follow charts that will be made available to everyone on eCompliance.

 

How our teams are making safety a priority

Branch 8 recently achieved 150,000+ hours without a recordable accident. The team completed detailed JHAs, identified how to avoid possible hazards, ensured jobsite requirements were understood, and confirmed they had the right employees and permits for performing each task.

 

Branch 12 manager Jason Crowson also encourages employees to promote a culture of safety. For example, he reminds drivers to put on seatbelts and obey speed limits, helping to instill a pattern of safe behavior that becomes second nature.

 

“We try to set the bar,” Crowson says. “When we excel at our job, we recognize those employees, but we also recognize those that can improve in order to hold everyone accountable.”