Regardless of the type o f problem that is being faced , whether it’s drug abuse, depression, anxiety , or unsafe working condition s , treatment or prevention of the situation is based on the answers to three fundamental questions . What are the behaviors that need to be eliminated or promoted to help with the existing problem? What are the environmental conditions that are currently supporting bad behaviors? What are existing conditions that promote good or favorable behavior? The answers to these three questions relate to a philosophy that promotes a behavior based approach to workplace safety.

Typically, these techniques can assist in helping to solve a variety of problems . Studies have found that while people generally know what activities in the workplace are dangerous, they are not always motivated to avoid them. W hen people are involved in the development of, and believe in the safety process , they are more likely to want to help make it work , and follow procedure. I f an employee is made to feel that they are part of the process to better the workplace, the result is more care and concern on the part of the employee which leads to following rules, which of course leads to less days lost to injury.

One of the techniques that promote this idea in the work place is called S afety S hare. This is a process whereby employees are asked in meetings to share the specifics of what they’ve done over the last week to further the cause of health and safety in the workplace. In this way they feel as though they’ve become part of the process. T his technique also fosters a sense of belonging for workers in the workplace where it is practiced . This simple awareness booster also teaches an important lesson ; Employees learn that safety is not a n issue that is out of their control , but is something that can be discussed in the same manner as issues such as productivity, quality , and profits.

Another key assumption that goes with this behavior based approach is that good behavior is learned and can be changed by providing people with new learning experiences. Emotional reactions are also very important. People generally feel better , and have a better attitude when working toward a positive outcome, than when working in order to avoid punishment or a negative consequence. In other words, employees who are working because they feel like their contributions are important are more likely to be good , safe , workers . This is in comparison to those who are working under the threat of what may happen if they don’t perform well. E mployees working under duress are far more likely to act out in unsafe ways.