the psychology of safety - nawic

The Psychology of Safety The Psychology of Safety

Presented by:Presented by:Dan Hannan, CSP, CHMMDan Hannan, CSP, CHMM

Safety DirectorSafety DirectorAssociated General Contractors of MNAssociated General Contractors of MN

What This Presentation is What This Presentation is NOT!NOT!

•Although we are talking about how Although we are talking about how the mind works, NO hypnosis will be the mind works, NO hypnosis will be performed performed ..

• It is NOT a group therapy session to It is NOT a group therapy session to uncover some horrible aspect of uncover some horrible aspect of your childhood.your childhood.

• It is NOT going to involve an IQ test It is NOT going to involve an IQ test or otherwise measure your safety or otherwise measure your safety intelligence or aptitude.intelligence or aptitude.

Presentation ObjectivePresentation Objective

INTRODUCE the principles that shape INTRODUCE the principles that shape our safety our safety behaviorbehavior

ORORWhy do we think and then do (or not Why do we think and then do (or not

do) what we are suppose (or not do) what we are suppose (or not suppose) to do to stay safe?suppose) to do to stay safe?

I want you to start thinking about I want you to start thinking about how people think (how people think (about safetyabout safety))

If you have any questions If you have any questions please hold them until the please hold them until the

endend

Information SourcesInformation SourcesThe analysis of safety behavior or “Behavior The analysis of safety behavior or “Behavior

Based Safety” is not a new concept. It has Based Safety” is not a new concept. It has been studied for quite a few years by many been studied for quite a few years by many folks. Certain safety professionals feel it to be folks. Certain safety professionals feel it to be worthwhile while some do not.worthwhile while some do not.

Articles and phone interviews by:Articles and phone interviews by:• Robert Pater Robert Pater • Ron BowlesRon Bowles• Scott GellerScott Geller• Peter CholakisPeter Cholakis• Andrew Kapp and Praveen ParboteeahAndrew Kapp and Praveen Parboteeah• National Safety CouncilNational Safety Council• www.behavioural-safety.comwww.behavioural-safety.com

Do you consider yourself a Do you consider yourself a safe person?safe person?

Do you observe the safety Do you observe the safety management programs that management programs that your company has prepared your company has prepared

for its employees?for its employees?

Do you utilize your training, Do you utilize your training, experience and safety experience and safety

equipment and procedures equipment and procedures for protecting yourself and for protecting yourself and

others on jobsites?others on jobsites? For instance do you use fall For instance do you use fall protection, safety glasses, protection, safety glasses,

hearing protection and hearing protection and otherwise recognize and otherwise recognize and

abate hazards that exist on abate hazards that exist on the job?the job?

Do You…Do You…• ……climb into a deer stand, work on your roof at climb into a deer stand, work on your roof at

home or otherwise work at heights on or off the home or otherwise work at heights on or off the job without fall protection?job without fall protection?

• ……mow the grass, operate a chain saw or weed mow the grass, operate a chain saw or weed whip or other power tools at home or work whip or other power tools at home or work without safety glasses, hearing protection or without safety glasses, hearing protection or steel toed boots?steel toed boots?

• ……use a solvent based paint or stain or sand use a solvent based paint or stain or sand sheetrock in a poorly ventilated area or without sheetrock in a poorly ventilated area or without the use of a respirator?the use of a respirator?

• ……utilize electrical devices without the use of utilize electrical devices without the use of GFCI or flipping the breaker?GFCI or flipping the breaker?

Do You…Do You…• ……work in locations that would be considered work in locations that would be considered

a confined space where hazardous a confined space where hazardous atmospheres may exist (i.e. using cleaning atmospheres may exist (i.e. using cleaning chemicals in the shower)? chemicals in the shower)?

• ……dig on the job or in your yard at home dig on the job or in your yard at home without clearing buried utilities?without clearing buried utilities?

• ……drive a vehicle without using a seat belt or drive a vehicle without using a seat belt or while applying makeup?while applying makeup?

• ……ensure that the trailer you are towing ensure that the trailer you are towing (boat) is working properly, its not (boat) is working properly, its not overloaded and the load is properly secured.overloaded and the load is properly secured.

No matter how much safety training has been No matter how much safety training has been provided why are unsafe acts still being provided why are unsafe acts still being

committed (on and off the job?)committed (on and off the job?)

QUIZ:QUIZ:Unsafe acts (behavior) account for Unsafe acts (behavior) account for __ % of accidents and injuries? __ % of accidents and injuries? • 20-4020-40• 40-6040-60• 60-7560-75• >75>75

Answer is >75Answer is >75

An Ounce of Prevention is An Ounce of Prevention is Worth…Worth…

Employee and company safety-oriented programs Employee and company safety-oriented programs designed to promote safe behavior and make our designed to promote safe behavior and make our jobsites a safer:jobsites a safer:

• Craft labor apprenticeship training programsCraft labor apprenticeship training programs• OSHA 10/30 Outreach trainingOSHA 10/30 Outreach training• Volunteer Protection Program (VPP)Volunteer Protection Program (VPP)• State OSHA safety partnership programsState OSHA safety partnership programs• Tool box talks/best practicesTool box talks/best practices• Safety seminars and workshopsSafety seminars and workshops• OSHA consultation visitsOSHA consultation visits• Pre-task planningPre-task planning• Health and safety plans…Health and safety plans…

Why do we still place so much time Why do we still place so much time and money into correcting unsafe and money into correcting unsafe conditions when more times than conditions when more times than

not the root cause is human not the root cause is human behavior—ability to recognize a behavior—ability to recognize a

hazard and make the proper hazard and make the proper decision?decision?

The company safety The company safety professional is an army of oneprofessional is an army of one—why not create an army of —why not create an army of

dozens by modifying front-line dozens by modifying front-line employee behavior!employee behavior!

An AGC Construction An AGC Construction Learning ToolLearning Tool

WHY?WHY?Why do we commit Why do we commit

unsafe acts when we unsafe acts when we know better? know better?

Does Changing One’s Behavior Does Changing One’s Behavior Toward Safety Really Work?Toward Safety Really Work?

AbsolutelyAbsolutelyResults from all sectors of manufacturing and Results from all sectors of manufacturing and

construction have shown… construction have shown… – 40-75 percent reduction in accident rates and accident 40-75 percent reduction in accident rates and accident

costscosts– Greater workforce involvement in safety Greater workforce involvement in safety – Better communications between management and the Better communications between management and the

workforceworkforce– Greater 'ownership' of safety by the workforce Greater 'ownership' of safety by the workforce – More positive attitudes towards safety More positive attitudes towards safety – Greater individual acceptance of responsibility for safetyGreater individual acceptance of responsibility for safety

How many of you work How many of you work with unsafe coworkers?with unsafe coworkers?

Or Or

Have children?Have children?

What do they have in What do they have in common?common?

They just don’t get it!They just don’t get it!

(they don’t do what (they don’t do what they’ve been told, listen to they’ve been told, listen to

warnings, think things warnings, think things through or learn from their through or learn from their

mistakes)mistakes)

WHY?WHY?

The Psychology of Safe The Psychology of Safe BehaviorBehavior

There appears to be three critical There appears to be three critical elements that shape our thought and elements that shape our thought and

reasoning processes and how we reasoning processes and how we display that in the form of safety display that in the form of safety

behavior (our actions)behavior (our actions)

1.1. How We Learn How We Learn (educated and trained)(educated and trained)2.2. How we are Motivated and InfluencedHow we are Motivated and Influenced

(to do safety)(to do safety)3.3. Ability to Focus and pay Attention Ability to Focus and pay Attention (to (to

the task at hand)the task at hand)First—set the stage with some current safety psychology principles.First—set the stage with some current safety psychology principles.

The Mental Side of SafetyThe Mental Side of SafetyAn accident, injury or illness is the result of An accident, injury or illness is the result of

one or both of the followingone or both of the followingUnsafe acts Unsafe acts (behavior)(behavior)

OrOrUnsafe conditionsUnsafe conditions

It is the popular belief that It is the popular belief that behaviorbehavior accounts for 75-90% of all incidentsaccounts for 75-90% of all incidents

Basis for Unsafe BehaviorBasis for Unsafe BehaviorThe The consequenceconsequence of behaving unsafely will of behaving unsafely will

nearly always determine future unsafe nearly always determine future unsafe behavior, simply because reinforced behavior, simply because reinforced

behavior tends to be repeated.behavior tends to be repeated.OROR

If I do something (knowingly or unknowingly) If I do something (knowingly or unknowingly) unsafe and don’t get hurt unsafe and don’t get hurt (and I get the job (and I get the job

done faster or cheaper)done faster or cheaper), I will likely do it , I will likely do it again (until I do get hurt or am asked to again (until I do get hurt or am asked to

correct to stop [behavior]).correct to stop [behavior]).

Consequence versus outcome…if Consequence versus outcome…if they succeed will they do it again?they succeed will they do it again?

LESSON 2LESSON 2

Aside from your safety Aside from your safety behavior in the behavior in the

workplace, should your workplace, should your employer care about employer care about

your safety off the job?your safety off the job?

Why is it important to Why is it important to your employer that good your employer that good safety habits carry over safety habits carry over

into your home life? into your home life?

LESSON 1LESSON 1

“Working Safe: How to help people actively care for health and safety” by E. Scott Geller, Ph.D.

Why is Good Safety Behavior Why is Good Safety Behavior Important at Work Important at Work ANDAND Away Away

From Work?From Work? • For the US population, the two leading For the US population, the two leading

causes of accidental death are motor causes of accidental death are motor vehicle accidents and falls vehicle accidents and falls (also the two (also the two biggest accident/death construction biggest accident/death construction exposures).exposures).

• Nine times more workers die accidentally Nine times more workers die accidentally off the job than at work.off the job than at work.

• There are approximately 12,000 deaths There are approximately 12,000 deaths and 2.9 million disabling injuries that and 2.9 million disabling injuries that occur in the home each year.occur in the home each year.

Why is Safety Important at Why is Safety Important at Work Work ANDAND Away From Away From

Work?Work? The four most common injuries and fatalities on The four most common injuries and fatalities on

the job—falls, electrocution, struck-by and the job—falls, electrocution, struck-by and caught-in. caught-in. The first two causes are also major The first two causes are also major factors for injuries and fatalities at home. Many factors for injuries and fatalities at home. Many hazards that exist in the workplace also exist hazards that exist in the workplace also exist away from work. away from work.

Engrained safety behavior enables Engrained safety behavior enables recognition and avoidance of these recognition and avoidance of these

hazards regardless of where they existhazards regardless of where they exist

Why is Safety Important at Why is Safety Important at Work Work ANDAND Away From Away From

Work?Work? • The mental strain caused by the loss The mental strain caused by the loss

of life or serious injury to a co-of life or serious injury to a co-worker.worker.

• Costs—Whether on the job or at Costs—Whether on the job or at home, unsafe behavior equates to home, unsafe behavior equates to large financial consequences for both large financial consequences for both the employer and employee. the employer and employee.

COSTSCOSTS• 128 million 128 million employees receiving workers employees receiving workers

compensation benefits in 2005 at a cost of compensation benefits in 2005 at a cost of 55 billion dollars 55 billion dollars or an average of or an average of $21,000 $21,000 per claim. per claim. (National Safety Council Injury Facts 2008)(National Safety Council Injury Facts 2008)

• According to commonly accepted safety According to commonly accepted safety management concepts for management concepts for every $1 in medical or every $1 in medical or insurance compensation costs ("direct costs") insurance compensation costs ("direct costs") for for a worker injury, a worker injury, $5-50 more$5-50 more are likely to be spent are likely to be spent on on "indirect costs" "indirect costs" to repair building, tool or to repair building, tool or equipment damage; to replace damage products equipment damage; to replace damage products or materials; and to make up for losses from or materials; and to make up for losses from production delays and interruptions. An additional production delays and interruptions. An additional $1-3 in indirect costs $1-3 in indirect costs will be spent for hiring and will be spent for hiring and training replacements and for time to investigate training replacements and for time to investigate the incident. the incident.

Developing an Developing an ““all-the-time” safety all-the-time” safety

mindset to change mindset to change behavior and create a behavior and create a

safety culturesafety culture

How many of you personally How many of you personally have…have…• Worked at least 5 years without a lost Worked at least 5 years without a lost

workday incident?workday incident?• 10 years?10 years?• 15 years?15 years?• 20 years or more?20 years or more?

Congratulations!!!Congratulations!!!You are all very lucky to not have been You are all very lucky to not have been

injured on the job, correct?injured on the job, correct?

NO!!NO!!

Luck has only a little to do with it. Luck has only a little to do with it.

A large part of your success has likely been A large part of your success has likely been determined by the priority you, your co-determined by the priority you, your co-

workers and your employer place on your workers and your employer place on your safety and the safety of others. This is safety and the safety of others. This is

expressed in expressed in your safety behavioryour safety behavior..

Three Primary Safety Three Primary Safety Behavior ComponentsBehavior Components

1.1. How we How we learnlearn (training and (training and education programs)education programs)

2.2. How we are How we are motivatedmotivated or or influenced to behave safelyinfluenced to behave safely

3.3. How we How we focusfocus or pay attention or pay attention to instructions and tasksto instructions and tasks

#1#1

Learning ProcessesLearning Processes

Characteristics of Adult Characteristics of Adult LearnersLearners

• Adults learn and retain information Adults learn and retain information at different speeds.at different speeds.

• Adults are most receptive to Adults are most receptive to training if they have an immediate training if they have an immediate use or need for the skill or use or need for the skill or knowledge being taught.knowledge being taught.

• Adults bring a great deal of life Adults bring a great deal of life experience to a training situation. It experience to a training situation. It is important to allow adults to share is important to allow adults to share their knowledge and expertise.their knowledge and expertise.

Characteristics of Adult Characteristics of Adult LearnersLearners

• Adults have expectations about what they are being Adults have expectations about what they are being taught. taught. In the case of safety it would be that they In the case of safety it would be that they are being taught the correct way of doing things to are being taught the correct way of doing things to be safe and productive.be safe and productive.

• Information retention and learning is based on what Information retention and learning is based on what is already known. is already known.

• Learning progresses from the simple to the Learning progresses from the simple to the complex. People learn best if you break a process or complex. People learn best if you break a process or skill into fairly simple pieces for learning retention.skill into fairly simple pieces for learning retention.

• A skill must be used to be rememberedA skill must be used to be remembered. .

It is Estimated . . .It is Estimated . . .

• that the average person retains that the average person retains about 7 items in his or her short-term about 7 items in his or her short-term memory.memory.

• that it takes between 10 and 15 that it takes between 10 and 15 contact times with a hands-on skill contact times with a hands-on skill before we retain it in our long-term before we retain it in our long-term memorymemory

Adults Will Remember…Adults Will Remember…• 10% of what we 10% of what we HearHear• 15% of what we 15% of what we SeeSee• 20% of what we 20% of what we Both Hear & SeeBoth Hear & See• 40% of what we 40% of what we Discuss with othersDiscuss with others• 80% of what we 80% of what we Experience DirectlyExperience Directly or or

PracticePractice• 90% of what we attempt to 90% of what we attempt to Teach Teach

OthersOthersThe % increases as we “use” and take The % increases as we “use” and take ownership of our knowledge (training ownership of our knowledge (training

and experience).and experience).

Effective Training and Learning Effective Training and Learning Techniques often involve the Techniques often involve the

following sequence…following sequence…1.1. You read the directions (procedure), I tell You read the directions (procedure), I tell

you how to do it and then show you you how to do it and then show you (demonstrate).(demonstrate).

2.2. You tell me, show me and then write down You tell me, show me and then write down the process or steps, then I’m going to read the process or steps, then I’m going to read what you wrote to see if it makes sense.what you wrote to see if it makes sense.

Research indicates that we loose Research indicates that we loose 95%95% of of what we’ve learned in a training what we’ve learned in a training

session in 2 weeks!session in 2 weeks!

So…How Does the Learning So…How Does the Learning Aspect of my Training Impact My Aspect of my Training Impact My

Safety BehaviorSafety Behavior• The The quality of instruction and learning quality of instruction and learning needs needs

to be evaluated to ensure effectiveness—DO to be evaluated to ensure effectiveness—DO NOT assume everyone will comprehend and NOT assume everyone will comprehend and retain equally. retain equally.

• A quality effective training program says the A quality effective training program says the employer values and is committed to the employer values and is committed to the safety of the employee.safety of the employee.

• Solid training programs that Solid training programs that build a sense of build a sense of personal responsibilitypersonal responsibility are considered are considered successful and especially if safe behavior is successful and especially if safe behavior is carried away from the jobsite—back to your carried away from the jobsite—back to your home! home!

#2#2

MotivationMotivationand and

InfluenceInfluence

Nothing says motivation Nothing says motivation like…like…

MotivationMotivationMotivation = ”…the forces influencing Motivation = ”…the forces influencing people so as to control the making of people so as to control the making of

their decisions…”their decisions…”

What are the factors that motivate us What are the factors that motivate us and influence our level of effort with and influence our level of effort with regard to safety (output of mind and regard to safety (output of mind and

body)?body)?

Keeping yourself safe requires both your Keeping yourself safe requires both your mind and body. mind and body.

When your life is on the line it only takes When your life is on the line it only takes a lapse of either to yield disastrous a lapse of either to yield disastrous

results.results.

Factors that Shape Factors that Shape Motivation Motivation

GOALSGOALSThe establishment of clear attainable goals, that theThe establishment of clear attainable goals, that the

employeeemployee has helped set, coupled with a reward has helped set, coupled with a reward (recognition, $’s, etc.) stimulates the need to do (recognition, $’s, etc.) stimulates the need to do well. Established safety goals and well. Established safety goals and meaningful meaningful

rewards rewards usually equates to a usually equates to a safer work effort and safer work effort and behaviorbehavior..

The trend for safety recognition is The trend for safety recognition is behavior basedbehavior based——reward for safe behavior rather than zero injuries. reward for safe behavior rather than zero injuries.

Instill a personal responsibility to recognize unsafe Instill a personal responsibility to recognize unsafe actions/near misses by promoting ownership of safety to actions/near misses by promoting ownership of safety to

change behavior. change behavior.


Needs, Wants and BeliefsNeeds, Wants and BeliefsGenerally speaking, if a worker’s Generally speaking, if a worker’s needs and needs and

wants wants are satisfied (hazard-free work are satisfied (hazard-free work environment, correct tools to get the job environment, correct tools to get the job

done, etc.) they are more content and will be done, etc.) they are more content and will be motivated to perform well and do what is motivated to perform well and do what is

asked of them—asked of them—likelike observingobserving safety safety requirementsrequirements

People tend to be motivated if what they People tend to be motivated if what they believe they are doing (safety) believe they are doing (safety) makes a makes a

differencedifference for them and others. for them and others.

Factors that Shape Motivation Factors that Shape Motivation RiskRisk

Risk = the likelihood of an outcome Risk = the likelihood of an outcome (probability) and the severity of the (probability) and the severity of the

consequence (how bad). consequence (how bad).

Everyone evaluates and perceives risk Everyone evaluates and perceives risk differently—why do some people like differently—why do some people like skydiving and some do not—reward skydiving and some do not—reward outweighs the probability of cost?outweighs the probability of cost?


RiskRiskThe consequence of The consequence of

behaving unsafely behaving unsafely (RISK) will nearly (RISK) will nearly always determine always determine

future unsafe future unsafe behavior, simply behavior, simply

because reinforced because reinforced behavior behavior (no accident (no accident

or consequence)or consequence) tends to be repeated.tends to be repeated.

Factors that Shape Motivation Factors that Shape Motivation

RiskRiskFor the home, do you perceive the risk to For the home, do you perceive the risk to

be less than on a jobsite?be less than on a jobsite?

At home we are removed from the At home we are removed from the construction environment which may lead construction environment which may lead

us to believe less severe outcomes. us to believe less severe outcomes. However, a fall from 10 feet likely would However, a fall from 10 feet likely would have the same outcome on the job or at have the same outcome on the job or at home if you are not using fall protection.home if you are not using fall protection.


RiskRisk Risk perception Risk perception

examples:examples:• ““Walk the line”—Walk the line”—

iron workersiron workers• Hearing Hearing

conservation—”its conservation—”its only one cut”only one cut”

Factors that Shape Factors that Shape MotivationMotivation

AssociationAssociationThe degree to which the strength of the The degree to which the strength of the

motivational process affects us is a motivational process affects us is a function of association—good or bad!function of association—good or bad!

Good positive outcomes make stronger Good positive outcomes make stronger associations (neurological connections) associations (neurological connections)

while poor ones do not.while poor ones do not.The motivational connection is stronger if for The motivational connection is stronger if for

instance one of your co-workers (close instance one of your co-workers (close association) were injured or killed on a association) were injured or killed on a jobsite versus seeing or reading a story jobsite versus seeing or reading a story

about someone on a jobsite in California. about someone on a jobsite in California.

Factors that Shape Motivation Factors that Shape Motivation Physical, Emotional, Environmental Physical, Emotional, Environmental SleepSleep—the lack of sleep accounts for thousands of traffic —the lack of sleep accounts for thousands of traffic

and work related accidents, injuries and deaths each year. and work related accidents, injuries and deaths each year. If a lack of sleep does not kill you it can slow you down If a lack of sleep does not kill you it can slow you down and affect the quality of your work.and affect the quality of your work.

Heat/coldHeat/cold—it is a demonstrated fact that heat, cold, —it is a demonstrated fact that heat, cold, humidity and lack of sunlight affect our mental and humidity and lack of sunlight affect our mental and physical desire (motivation) to work.physical desire (motivation) to work.

Personal stressPersonal stress—events in your life (death, divorce, etc.) —events in your life (death, divorce, etc.) affect our level of effort.affect our level of effort.

Medication/illegal drug useMedication/illegal drug use—alteration of attitude/behavior—alteration of attitude/behavior

All of these can contribute to someone having a “bad All of these can contribute to someone having a “bad attitude”, low motivation and likely unsafe behaviorattitude”, low motivation and likely unsafe behavior


““Git-R-Dun”Git-R-Dun”FactorFactor

““I don’t care what it I don’t care what it takes get the job takes get the job

done…no excuses.”done…no excuses.”

If this is the message If this is the message from the from the

superintendant, superintendant, project manager or project manager or management, what management, what

priority does this place priority does this place on safety?on safety?

Factors that Shape Motivation Factors that Shape Motivation

Compliance and ConsequenceCompliance and Consequence”…”…if you don’t follow this procedure or use this if you don’t follow this procedure or use this

piece of safety equipment you will be fired”. Is piece of safety equipment you will be fired”. Is there recourse or consequence for reckless there recourse or consequence for reckless behavior (not following safety policies, rules, behavior (not following safety policies, rules, etc.)? etc.)? Is such a policy fairly enforced, consistent and Is such a policy fairly enforced, consistent and

supported by management?supported by management?

The effectiveness of punishment is dependent The effectiveness of punishment is dependent upon its consistency. upon its consistency. It only works if it is given It only works if it is given immediately, fairly and every single time an immediately, fairly and every single time an

unsafe act occurs.unsafe act occurs.


Compliance and ConsequenceCompliance and ConsequencePunishing people for everyday infractions of safety Punishing people for everyday infractions of safety rules (e.g. not wearing a hard hat) is a very difficult rules (e.g. not wearing a hard hat) is a very difficult thing to do consistently and does not address the thing to do consistently and does not address the underlying problem (why are they choosing not to underlying problem (why are they choosing not to wear it?--e.g. the hard hat is uncomfortable or gets wear it?--e.g. the hard hat is uncomfortable or gets

in the way of doing the job efficiently).in the way of doing the job efficiently).Punishment is Most Effective When…Punishment is Most Effective When…

It is reserved: It is reserved: [1][1] to those who deliberately put other to those who deliberately put other people at risk; and people at risk; and [2][2] only after the organization only after the organization

has done everything in its power to create the has done everything in its power to create the safest working environment and the employee still safest working environment and the employee still commits commits unsafe acts unsafe acts that are willful and aimed at that are willful and aimed at

flouting authority. flouting authority.


EthicsEthics““The organizational ethical climate refers to the The organizational ethical climate refers to the

specific shared perceptions of organizational specific shared perceptions of organizational practices and procedures that define what is practices and procedures that define what is considered right or wrong. considered right or wrong. This shared This shared perception of the accumulated expectations perception of the accumulated expectations serves as a ready form of reference for serves as a ready form of reference for guiding guiding the behaviors the behaviors of its employees”.of its employees”.

Studies have shown where a strong ethical Studies have shown where a strong ethical climate exists, sound employee behavior climate exists, sound employee behavior

follows.follows.Do your company’s guiding ethical principles Do your company’s guiding ethical principles

motivatemotivate good safety good safety behavior?behavior?

Motivation…Final ThoughtMotivation…Final Thought““There are very few things that can build There are very few things that can build

self-esteem self-esteem (and motivate) (and motivate) within an within an individual, more effectively than the individual, more effectively than the

““powers of positive reinforcement”powers of positive reinforcement” for for desired habits and behaviors”.desired habits and behaviors”.

Recognize and reward safe behaviorRecognize and reward safe behavior

#3#3

AttentionAttentionand and

FocusFocus

Attention—Nighttime Work Attention—Nighttime Work Zone Safety Zone Safety

Attention and Mental FocusAttention and Mental Focus• "Are the schedules being accelerated so quickly that "Are the schedules being accelerated so quickly that

people are being sloppy and people are being sloppy and not paying attention not paying attention to to detail?" asked Louis Coletti, president of the Building detail?" asked Louis Coletti, president of the Building Trades Employers' Association, the largest contractor Trades Employers' Association, the largest contractor group in New York City.group in New York City.

• OSHA investigators concluded Hardrock didn't watch OSHA investigators concluded Hardrock didn't watch the rigging that maneuvered the girder closely enough, the rigging that maneuvered the girder closely enough, said John Healy, director of the agency's Englewood said John Healy, director of the agency's Englewood office. "The company really didn't have a strong office. "The company really didn't have a strong practice of training their people in following up and practice of training their people in following up and monitoring that they are monitoring that they are paying attention paying attention to rigging at to rigging at all times," Healy said.all times," Healy said.

Attention and Mental FocusAttention and Mental FocusENR report July 29, 2008ENR report July 29, 2008““Some see the project schedule as unrealistic. Some see the project schedule as unrealistic.

City Center ($9.4 billion, 76 acres), Las City Center ($9.4 billion, 76 acres), Las Vegas, is being built in the same time frame Vegas, is being built in the same time frame that it took to complete the adjacent $1.6 that it took to complete the adjacent $1.6 billion, 37 story Bellagio Resort which is only billion, 37 story Bellagio Resort which is only one building and 25% the amount of space.”one building and 25% the amount of space.”Imagine the mental focus required for Imagine the mental focus required for

this fast-paced work scheduled this fast-paced work scheduled especially when fatigue is a major especially when fatigue is a major

concern. Some 13 workers have died concern. Some 13 workers have died on this project to date.on this project to date.

Pay Attention!Pay Attention!Easier said than done some times Easier said than done some times

right?right?

Attention and Mental FocusAttention and Mental FocusHow many of you can honestly say that you How many of you can honestly say that you mentally focus on specific tasks on a jobsite?mentally focus on specific tasks on a jobsite?

Life would be a drag if we had to focus 100% Life would be a drag if we had to focus 100% of the time on everything we did. of the time on everything we did.

Skilled labor means, to a certain degree, that Skilled labor means, to a certain degree, that you have developed such an expertise and you have developed such an expertise and

familiarity that it allows you to do many familiarity that it allows you to do many parts of your job without “thinking”parts of your job without “thinking”

AttentionAttentionA faster paced, media blitzed multitasking society A faster paced, media blitzed multitasking society

has had an affect on the attention spans of has had an affect on the attention spans of younger people (i.e. cell phone, I-Pods, text younger people (i.e. cell phone, I-Pods, text

messaging, video games, Internet, etc.)? There messaging, video games, Internet, etc.)? There are more diagnosed cases of ADD than ever.are more diagnosed cases of ADD than ever.

• The ability to focus during an activity usually The ability to focus during an activity usually equates to a more efficient safer outcome—no equates to a more efficient safer outcome—no shortcuts or forgotten steps.shortcuts or forgotten steps.

• Attention is an attribute that can be improved Attention is an attribute that can be improved with skills training. with skills training.

Attention Improvement Attention Improvement TechniquesTechniques

• Reduce area stimuli—sights or sounds affect our Reduce area stimuli—sights or sounds affect our ability to focus (i.e. some people require near ability to focus (i.e. some people require near silence to read and retain).silence to read and retain).

• Complete one task at a time—no multi-tasking.Complete one task at a time—no multi-tasking.• When distracted completely stop and then restart When distracted completely stop and then restart

the activity.the activity.• Take breaks when mentally fatigued to “re-Take breaks when mentally fatigued to “re-

focus”.focus”.• Work rested and check personal issues at the Work rested and check personal issues at the

door or take time off.door or take time off.

Final ThoughtsFinal ThoughtsThe three contributing elements The three contributing elements

shaping the safety mindset and shaping the safety mindset and resulting behavior are:resulting behavior are:

•LearningLearning—how, quality and frequency —how, quality and frequency •MotivateMotivate correctly to “do safety” correctly to “do safety”•AttentionAttention or focus on our actions or focus on our actions

Wouldn’t it just be easier Wouldn’t it just be easier if…if…

““You will be the You will be the safest safest employee employee ever”ever”

Thank YouThank YouNAWIC for this NAWIC for this

opportunityopportunity

Have a safe, controlled Have a safe, controlled behavior, conferencebehavior, conference

the psychology of safety - nawic

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