Human Factors in Safety
Over the years a variety of approaches and systems have been applied to the management of safety. Traditionally, the focus was on ‘engineering’ hazards out of the work environment and on inspections of work place conditions. Another common approach was the application of a vast array of safety procedures.
In any given work situation, there will always be an element of risk. 'Risk Based Safety' refers to the abilities and capabilities of workers to identify, assess and understand risk in their work environment and to be competent to take these risks. How well the risks are taken is what is defined as risk competency.
SAFEmap is unique in going beyond behavioural safety, to focus on Competency-Based Safety.
SAFEmap International has developed a unique Risk-Based Safety approach called SAFEmap SMART which is designed to develop risk competency in workers thereby increasing safe behaviours in the work environment.
Experience has shown the most important tools for use in behaviour-based safety are peer-to-peer observations and feedback and incentive systems. The focus of these tools is to motivate workers to engage in safe work.
What is SAFEmapSMART?
SMART stands for Safety, Mindset, Awareness, Risk competence and Team safety.
SMART is a revolutionary approach to behaviour which accepts that risk-taking is fundamental to doing work and that no workplace can ever be made risk-free.
As such, SAFEmap SMART trains employees to identify and assess risks and act appropriately. SAFEmap SMART targets an employee’s mindset, attitudes and behaviours, it is designed to supplement and contribute to the existing safety management system in a company.
A unique aspect of the SAFEmap SMART approach is that it specifically targets the ‘complacency’ factor in an organisation. Complacency occurs when employees perceive their work environments and procedures to be ‘safe’.
Employees with a SAFE SMART 'mindset':
- Will want to work safely (be motivated)
- Will know how to work safely (be skilled to do so)
- Will believe it is possible to work safely (be convinced)
- Will see and judge risks competently (have risk skills)
