1st Edition

The Science and Best Practices of Behavioral Safety The Source for Reducing Injuries on the Front Line

By Timothy D. Ludwig, Matthew M. Laske Copyright 2023
    154 Pages 44 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    154 Pages 44 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book presents the scientific principles and real-world best practices of behavioral safety, one of the most mature and impactful applications of behavioral science to reduce injuries in industrial workplaces.

    The authors review the core principles of behavioral science and their application to modern safety processes. Process components are discussed in detail, including risk analysis and pinpointing, direct observation, performance feedback, reinforcing engagement, trending and functional analysis, behavior change interventions, and program evaluation. Discussions are complemented by industry best-practice case studies from world-class behavioral safety programs accredited by the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS), which provide compelling evidence of the effectiveness of these behavioral science principles in reducing injury.

    The Science and Best Practices of Behavioral Safety is essential reading for safety professionals, process safety engineers, and leaders in companies who have implemented, or are considering implementing, behavioral safety; or as an aid to learning more about the scientific background behind effective and practical safety practices. Researchers, expert consultants, and students who are already familiar with the practice will also find the book a valuable source to further develop their expertise.

    1. Why Behavioral Safety?

    2. Risk Analysis and Pinpointing

    3. Direct Observation

    4. Performance Feedback

    5. Reinforcing Engagement

    6. Trending and Functional Analyses

    7. Behavior Change Interventions

    8. Evaluation

    9. Conclusion

    Biography

    Timothy D. Ludwig, Ph.D., has more than 30 years of experience in research and practice in behavioral safety. Dr. Ludwig is a Distinguished Graduate Professor at Appalachian State University; serves on the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS) Commission for the Accreditation of Behavioral Safety; and disseminates his writings on Safety-Doc.com.

    Matthew M. Laske, M.A. received his master's in industrial-organizational psychology from Appalachian State University and is completing his doctoral degree at the University of Kansas. Matthew has designed, implemented, and assessed behavioral safety programs in multiple industries and is recognized by the CCBS as a Distinguished Scholar.

    "As a researcher and teacher for more than 50 years, I’ve seen remarkable reductions in workplace injuries with applied behavioral science. This teaching/learning text reviews the research-based evidence and shows how to apply the principles to make optimal impact."

    E. Scott Geller, Ph.D. Virginia Tech, Safety Performance Solutions, USA

    "The science is what my company relied on to deliver behavioral safety programs with confidence. This book locks in the principles and evidence that our community has used for the past 40 years to reduce injuries."

    Terry McSween, Ph.D. Quality Safety Edge, USA

    "There are several on the market but this book's details would help actually make changes without consultants. You see what it actual takes to make changes with enough examples and data proving that behavioral science can be implemented in complicated corporate settings."

    Angie Lebbon, Ph.D. Eastman Chemical, USA

    "A thorough review and contemporary analysis of what behavioral safety is and what best practices make it effective in reducing worker injuries. Essential reading for safety professionals and practitioners of applied behavior science."

    Cloyd Hyten, Ph.D. Director of Safety Solutions, USA