Safe By Design: A Behavioral Systems Approach to Human Performance Improvement - Softcover

Judy Agnew; David Uhl

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0937100307 ISBN 13: 9780937100301

Publisher: Performance Management Publications, 2021

Synopsis

Avoid Putting Good Workers In Bad Systems Keeping workers safe on the job requires robust safety systems, yet simply having these systems in place is not enough. Despite good intentions, many organizational systems fail to produce desired outcomes and can even undermine safety performance. Understanding how systems impact behavior helps leaders minimize blame and instead work cooperatively with the front line to develop sustainable safety improvement. In "Safe by Design: A Behavioral Systems Approach to Human Performance Improvement," authors Judy Agnew and David Uhl explain the science behind how organizational systems influence frontline and management behavior and introduce a framework for improving their impact on safety. Agnew and Uhl examine nine common systems that have unintended effects and provide practical tips for redesigning those systems to improve safety outcomes and strengthen safety culture. In Part 1 the authors give a scientific explanation of how organizational systems influence frontline and management behavior and provide the reader with a framework for assessing the impact systems have on safety. They use real-world examples to demonstrate how putting good workers in bad systems increases risk, encourages blame, weakens trust, damages working relationships, and undermines engagement. They demonstrate that when leaders become trusted partners with frontline workers and focus their attention on systemic causes and systemic solutions, significant improvement is possible. In Part 2, the authors examine nine common organizational systems that have a significant impact on safety including measurement, training, incentives, near miss reporting, incident investigations, hazard identification and remediation, safety rules, goal-setting and safety technology. In each case Agnew and Uhl demonstrate how the systems often fail to encourage safe work, despite the best intentions. The authors then use the science of behavior, case studies, and practical tips to show readers how to redesign systems to improve safety outcomes and strengthen safety culture.

About this title

About the Author

Judy Agnew Senior Vice President, Safety Solutions Aubrey Daniels International Judy Agnew, Ph.D., is a seasoned consultant, trusted advisor, and recognized thought leader in workplace safety and safety leadership. Agnew partners with clients to create evidence-based interventions that are safe by design and result in optimal and sustainable organizational change. With more than 30 years of consulting experience, Agnew successfully works with diverse employee populations across a wide range of organizational issues, helping clients achieve targeted performance objectives. Agnew is an active speaker and invited presenter at major national and international safety conferences and corporate events. She is frequently interviewed for national and trade publications and is the author of three other highly-regarded safety books: Removing Obstacles to Safety (with Gail Snyder), Safe by Accident? Leadership Practices that Build a Sustainable Safety Culture (with Aubrey Daniels), and A Supervisor’s Guide to (Safety) Leadership. David Uhl Senior Vice President, Consulting Services Aubrey Daniels International David Uhl is a results-driven consultant with a track record of success working at every organizational level. Uhl is known for his flexibility and adaptability, helping his clients in aerospace, energy, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and customer care; to maximize the discretionary effort of their employees. With over 25 years of experience, Uhl is a seasoned executive coach, change leader, and master facilitator who is adept at applying behavioral science technology to accelerate and sustain organizational change and performance improvement. Uhl has been a returning faculty member for The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) since 2001 and is a frequent conference presenter. Uhl is requested to deliver sessions that address leadership and organizational challenges, particularly those relating to high-hazard environments or the rapid execution of organizational change.

Edition details

• Publisher: Performance Management Publications
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0937100307
• ISBN 13: 9780937100301
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 185