That's Why You Should Measure Behavior—Here's How to Do It Step by Step

Behaviors are the key to creating a safety culture in the workplace. In Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), the focus is on reinforcing positive behaviors by measuring and tracking them. But why is it so important to measure behaviors? And how can you do so in a way that produces real results? Here’s a step-by-step guide showing how you can implement behavior measurement and follow-up to build a safe work environment. 

Why do we measure behaviour? 

Before we dive into the details of how, we need to understand why. Traditionally, leaders tend to focus on instructions and goals when they want to achieve results in line with the organisation’s objectives. However, it is only by measuring the behaviours themselves—that is, the actions that lead to the desired results—that we can track whether behavioural changes are occurring over time. 

If specific key behaviours are continuously measured and reinforced, the likelihood increases that the lagging key performance indicators—such as fewer accidents or higher customer satisfaction—will improve in line with the organisation’s goals. 

Step 1: Select the behaviours to be measured 

Not all behaviours are equally important when it comes to ensuring safety. Therefore, it is crucial to identify which key behaviours have the greatest impact on workplace safety. These behaviours may include using personal protective equipment correctly, following safety procedures, or communicating potential hazards. 

To identify the right behaviours, ask yourself and your team questions such as: 

• What behaviours are associated with the greatest risks in our workplace? 
• What behaviours do we most often see leading to incidents? 
• What behaviours do we want to encourage to improve safety? 

By focusing on key behaviours, you can make your assessment more effective and targeted toward the most critical safety areas. 

Step 2: Take measurements in a systematic manner 

Once you’ve chosen which behaviours to measure and have the right tools in place, it’s time to start measuring. This is best done through direct observations in the workplace. Have a supervisor or a colleague observe how well the selected behaviours are being followed. A key point here is to observe without judging—the goal is to collect data, not to point fingers. 

Keep in mind that observations must be conducted on an ongoing basis to provide an accurate picture. A single instance does not provide a complete picture of the safety culture—it is the trends over time that matter. 

Step 3: Analyze the results and provide feedback 

Once you have collected the data, the next step is to analyse the results and provide feedback to employees. It’s important to foster a culture of positive reinforcement. When you observe desirable behaviours, be sure to reinforce it by providing prompt and clear feedback. Feedback can range from acknowledging the behaviour during a meeting to offering a personal thank-you. 

It’s also important to use data to identify where improvements are needed. If certain behaviours aren’t being followed, ask yourself why: Are there obstacles in the work environment that make it difficult to act appropriately? By understanding the causes, you can create the conditions for successful behaviour change.  

Step 4: Follow Up and Make Adjustments 

Behavioural change is a process that requires time and ongoing follow-up. Once you’ve started measuring and providing feedback, it’s important to follow up regularly to see if the changes are lasting. Make adjustments as needed—you may need to adjust which behaviours you’re measuring or how you’re reinforcing them. Keep in mind that there’s no “quick fix” when it comes to behavioural change—it’s about building the desired culture over the long term.

Last but not least, be sure to celebrate your progress!  

Summary 

Measuring and monitoring behaviour is a crucial part of building a strong safety culture. By following the steps above, you can ensure that your employees not only know what is expected of them, but also actively work toward achieving the established goals.