Sometimes I think we forget that behavior-based safety emanated from applied behavior analysis. This month I'd like to offer basic guidelines for evaluating the human behavior aspects of a safety problem. Diagnosing (and supporting) behavior should be given equal weight to changing it.
Analyzing the roots of behavior is important because two remedies typically used to change behavior - training and discipline - often overlook critical behavioral influences. Training presumes employees would do the right thing if only they knew how. Discipline presumes that employees know what to do, but won't follow through.