Graphs safety observation data

Observation data are plotted on a graph that is posted in the area. Graphs and observation data summaries are discussed during safety meetings. 

Graphs and observation data to be reviewed in weekly safety meetings ... 

Rule of Thumb 1 on Using Data All managers and supervisors should be instructed not to respond in any way to a low percent safe or safety index on graphs. Managers must not put pressure on employees to improve these numbers. They may problem solve the observation data with employees... 

To get the maximum benefit from the observation process, you must ensure that the organization makes use of the data. In other words, the data must be reviewed and employees must respond to it. The best way to ensure that people look at the observation data is to build a review of the data into existing meetings. Ideally, both the graphs and observation sheets should be reviewed as one of the first agenda items in weekly safety meetings. 

At this point, the members of some of the teams were invited to participate in the safety improvement process. In a kickoff meeting their pinpointed performances and the rationale for selecting these, the systems of observing, and the results already obtained were explained. Specific data were shown to team members and summary graphs prominently posted in their area. Each team then selected a performance that it realized needed to improve to achieve safety on the job and on which it would concentrate for the next few weeks. Later it would select new performances for emphasis and other teams would join in. Thereafter, whenever a team was observed, a copy of the completed observation checklist and the team score was posted in the work area. Members were commended for any improvement. The observation data and progress toward each target are shown in Figure 28.2. 

The AE double dot plot is a type of graph designed to compare safety data between an experimental treatment and its control group with a quantitative risk measurement (Eigure 11.3). It has also been used in meta-analysis in randomized controlled trials and observational studies. In AE reporting, double dot plots are often used to present the frequency of key AEs along with quantitative risk measurements. Having both types of information side-by-side helps reviewers to identify elevated AEs. 

The safety representatives (employee volunteers) received more specific training concerning the rollout and maintenance of the process. First, the safety reps piloted the safety checklists and conducted several observations, thus allowing us to obtain baseline data. Next they were trained on how to graph the safety data and reinforce participation and improvements in safety. Due to the existing tense environment, any amount of participation was initially reinforced. Unlike division 1, division 2 experienced a great deal of resistance to the safety process. Only 2 of the 30 employees initially volunteered, but by the end of the first quarter, 28 employees had volunteered to assist with the safety process. The specific reinforcement techniques used by the division 2 safety representative are discussed in further detail below. 

Du Pont STOP. One popular behavior-based safety intervention is Du Font s STOP (for Safety Training and Observation Program). Employees are given STOP cards to record the occurrence of at least one at-risk behavior or work condition each workday, along with their corrective action. At the end of the day the STOP cards are collected, compiled, and recorded in a data log. Sometimes the data are transferred to a display chart or graph for feedback. 

The most effective safety celebration I ever observed featured a series of brief presentations by teams of hourly workers. These employees shared numerous safety ideas they had put in place to prevent workplace injuries. Some showed off new personal protective equipment, some discussed their procedures for encouraging near-hit analyses and corrective actions, and others displayed graphs of data obtained from audits of behaviors and environmental conditions. One team presented an ergonomic analysis and redesign of a work station. 

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