September 14, 2006

Self-directed safety

How can we change consciously competent/other-directed behavior to consciously competent/self-directed behavior? I’m talking about facilitating a transition from safety accountability to safety responsibility.

Here are three recommendations, based on behavioral research:

* Increase feelings of empowerment: Hold people accountable for safety performance numbers they can control and set goals that are specific, motivational, achievable, relevant and trackable

* Help people feel important: Increase opportunities for choice and guide how employees customize procedures.

* Cultivate belonging and interpersonal trust: Improve interpersonal communication and build group consensus for important discussions.