Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) at Södra Skog
Assignment summary
The implementation of behaviour-based safety at one of Södra Cell’s pulp mills resulted in an 80% increase in safe behaviours and a 50% reduction in the number of accidents resulting from contact with hazardous substances.
Results
50% reduction in accidents
Project Duration
9 months
Challenge
Södra Cell’s pulp mill faced the challenge of reducing accidents and incidents related to exposure to hazardous substances. The goal of the project was to increase the proportion of safe behaviours and leadership behaviours—and thereby establish a long-term approach to improving workplace safety. Södra Cell worked with the Behaviour Design Group to develop and implement Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS), with a focus on reducing accidents and near misses resulting from contact with hazardous substances while simultaneously building a sustainable safety culture.
Strategy
The work followed our SAFE process, which consists of the four phases—study, analyse, forward, and evaluate—as well as an initial assessment phase and kickoff. A BBS team was established, consisting of employees from the Behaviour Design Group and Södra Cell. This approach also enabled Södra employees to develop knowledge and skills in BBS in parallel with the project.
In parallel with the project, managers at all levels participated in a leadership development initiative focused on leadership development and coaching. The managers’ active participation and development were crucial to driving the behavioural changes needed to improve the safety culture.
Results
The project resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the number of accidents and incidents related to hazardous substances compared to previous periods before the initiative. All leadership behaviours and safe behaviours among operations, laboratory, and maintenance personnel increased significantly during the measurement period. Furthermore, employees perceived an improved safety culture in all areas compared to before the project began.
The successful initiative has led to new projects and interventions within Södra Skog, with the goal of continuing to strengthen the safety culture at more work sites.
- 80% increase in safe behaviours
- 50% reduction in the number of accidents
- Employees felt that the safety culture had improved in all areas compared to before the project
+80%
Increase in safe behaviours
-50%
Reduction in the number of confirmed accidents
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