The Magma Copper Case Study

The following case study is from the Magma Copper Company s Safety Observation 

A basic, yet powerful, tool for risk management was the Safety Observation Program. This was an employee-created and driven behavior-based program in which safety observations were performed at frequent intervals during the day by all employees. The average number of observations reports was 50 a day. 

The observations were categorized into four sections (1) at-risk actions, (2) unsafe conditions, (3) safe events, and (4) near miss incidents. The observations were noted on a preprinted observation form. The feedback to the employee observed, the corrective action taken, or requested corrective action, is noted on the form. 

This system provided positive feedback for initiators of reports and participants and provided a high degree of rigor around the completion of actions. The focus of the program was on the recognition and reward of safe behaviors and the identification and elimination of unsafe conditions and acts. The reporting of these accident precursors placed the organization in a proactive, forward-driven position in risk reduction efforts, on a daily basis, on the shop floor. 

The program allowed people to deal with the environment in which they worked. One of the main spinoffs of the program was that it created a dialog between management and employees. An added benefit was having managers do what they say they 

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Gessner, C. 1998. The Magma Copper case study. (Former Magma/ BHP Director of Safety and Loss Control currently the AURA insurance program administrator, risk manager, assistant facdities manager. National Optical Astronomy Ohservatory, Tucson, AZ.) ().. (1998). 

Thanks to Lisa Nevitt, projects manager, safety and training, Phoenix Water Services Department, City of Phoenix, for the case study and examples of their near miss incident reporting card. Thanks to Chuck Gessner, former Magma/BHP Copper director of safety and loss control, for the Magma Copper case study. 

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