Performance Surety Training Services (PS-13), with the assistance of the Integrated Safety Management program office (ISM/PO), is offering behavioral observation training for managers and supervisors. The classes are designed to heighten safety consciousness as to how workers perform their jobs rather than focusing on working conditions alone, according to Rick Reynolds of PS-13. Through the management walkaround process, managers learn to identify and correct unsafe behaviors and give constructive feedback to promote sound safety practices, he said.
According to Dennis Derkacs of ISM/PO, the behavioral observation process is a systematic way to identify safety concerns by focusing on workers' activities. "A human being isn't just a job description who comes to work every day. People are complex. They are affected by events in and out of the workplace and this can affect their work behaviors." he said.
"The Laboratory has made significant progress in reducing accident and injury rates since the introduction of ISM in 1996, but we still have a long way to go," Derkacs continued. "Too often we emphasize work conditions, like frayed cords, rather than on the work and the worker."
Taught by National Safety Council consultant Dave Herbert, "Behavioral Observation Process for Managers and Supervisors" (Course #22387) is now part of the Laboratory's ongoing safety performance improvement process and an integral part of management walkarounds, said Derkacs. On-site mentoring and follow-up discussions with learning teams is encouraged.
"With Dave's assistance, the behavioral observation process was implemented in 2002 to help us identify and eliminate risks before they become incidents and move us closer toward our goal of zero accidents and injuries," Derkacs said.
"This is a win-win approach, having management working together with workers to identify issues," Derkacs continued. "The course presents a systematic process in which managers or supervisors can team with workers in the identification and resolution of environmental, safety and health issues."
"Training will be most effective if completed by walkaround teams who will be expected to work together to implement the process in their operational areas," Reynolds of PS-13 said. "We strongly encourage division leaders, as well as group leaders, to work with their managers and supervisors to encourage walkaround teams to attend the training together."
According to Reynolds, more than 400 managers and line supervisors have attended the training since it began in 2001.
To enroll in behavioral observation training, contact Rosa Zarate of PS-13 at 5-5062 or write to rzarate@lanl.gov by electronic mail. For questions and mentoring appointments, contact Derkacs at 7-7061 or Linda Salazar of the Health, Safety and Radiation Protection (HSR) Division Office at 7-4218.
--Ed Kellum
