Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) at Södra Skog
Summary of the Assignment
The implementation of behavior-based safety at one of Södra Cell’s pulp mills resulted in an 80% increase in safe behaviors and a 50% reduction in the number of accidents caused by 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 near-misses related to exposure to hazardous substances. The goal of the project was to increase the prevalence of safe behaviors and leadership behaviors—and thereby establish a long-term approach to improving workplace safety. Södra Cell worked with the Behaviour Design Group to develop and implement Behavior-Based Safety (BBS), with a focus on reducing accidents and incidents resulting from contact with hazardous substances while simultaneously building a sustainable safety culture.
Strategy
The project followed our SAFE process, which consists of four phases—study, analyze, change, and review impact—as well as an initial assessment phase and kick-off. 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 behavioral changes needed to improve the safety culture.
Results
The project resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of accidents and incidents involving hazardous substances compared to previous periods before the initiative. All leadership behaviors and safe behaviors among operations, laboratory, and maintenance staff increased significantly during the measurement period. Furthermore, employees reported an improved safety culture in all areas compared to before the project began.
The successful initiative has led to new projects and efforts within Södra Skog aimed at continuing to strengthen the safety culture at more work sites.
- 80% increase in safe behaviors
- 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 behaviors
-50%
Decrease in the number of reported accidents
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