Steps of the Observation Process

There is no one best way to perform observations— techniques and methods depend on the organization and the existing safety culture. It is recommended each site tailor the observation process to its particular needs. If a site benchmarks to another site, the suggested strategy is to use the benchmark sites approach as a guide but develop specific procedures to accommodate the process locally. 

The following steps are provided as a broad guide for observations  

Select specific behaviors to observe as derived from the Critical Behavior Inventory. The strategy for this step is to pinpoint safe practices (McSween, 1995, p. 106). These behaviors should be very clear and specific so that everyone trained in the observation process can agree on the safe way to perform a task. If the organization has developed a critical behavior inventory, and established operational definitions as part of the inventory, then critical safe practices have already been identified. 

Develop behavioral checklists for particular jobs and departments. When checklists are developed, they are not cast in stone. First draft checklists, then revise and improve them as necessary to aid the observation process. In general, checklists should be developed for each area. Keep the list of checklists as small as practical. A good practice is to keep the checklists short and manageable— ensure checklists focus on the critical behaviors. Don t forget to 

Determine procedures for data processing and feedback. Who will collect the data Who will analyze the data How will the data be shared with workgroups and the site as a whole How often will the data be shared What will be the criteria for the data to be 

---