Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) is a proven workplace safety method designed to reduce occupational accidents by directly influencing employee behavior. Unlike traditional approaches based on strict rules, formal training, and regulatory inspections, BBS focuses on observing real behaviors in the workplace and modifying them through field observation, constructive dialogue, and positive reinforcement.
The Role of BBS in Risk Prevention in 2025
In 2025, most companies rely on traditional occupational risk prevention systems built around:
- The implementation of rigid procedures and rules
- Formal health and safety training
- Regulatory audits and inspections
- The management of technical risks through equipment and protective measures
BBS brings innovation by placing the human factor at the heart of prevention, recognizing that most workplace accidents are linked to at-risk behaviors. Its distinctive approach lies in:
- A participatory process, where all employees—not only HSE managers—become active players in their own safety
- A proactive posture, anticipating risks through continuous and precise behavioral observation
- A positive approach, emphasizing and rewarding safe actions instead of punishing mistakes
- An adaptive methodology, using simple, flexible tools tailored to the specific context of each workplace
Implementing BBS in the Workplace
BBS (Behavior-Based Safety) implementation relies on regular on-site observations using customized checklists adapted to the specific risks of each job. Observed employees receive immediate feedback—positive or constructive. Results are monitored through statistical dashboards tracking behavioral progress over time. A shared safety culture also depends on the active involvement of management and the exchange of best practices among colleagues.
Why Choose BBS?
BBS (Behavior-Based Safety) helps organizations develop a safety culture 100% centered on safe behavior and collective responsibility. It is especially effective in sustainably reducing workplace accidents, engaging all teams, and strengthening well-being at work (QVCT).
Thanks to its human-centered, measurable, and proactive approach, BBS perfectly complements traditional risk prevention systems—making safety a natural reflex and a shared value across the entire organization.
Our Contribution
At C2D Prévention, we support you in the co-construction and precise monitoring of safety behaviors within your organization.
To make this possible, we have developed KBI, a simple, practical, and collaborative online tool accessible to all employees.
Based on the Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) methodology, KBI enables real-time tracking of observed behaviors across all worksites. This tool fosters collective engagement, facilitates proactive risk detection, and helps shape a fully participative and sustainable safety culture.
With KBI, the BBS approach becomes tangible, easy to deploy, and highly effective in improving accident prevention, strengthening team accountability, and embedding safety at the core of daily practices.
Key Takeaways
- It acts directly on risky behaviours, not just on rules.
- It makes all employees active players in safety, not only HSE managers.
- It relies on constructive feedback and recognition of good practices.
- It is measurable, adaptable, and easy to deploy thanks to digital tools such as KBI.
- It promotes a 100% safe and participative culture, where vigilance becomes natural and collective.
What is BBS?
Behaviour-Based Safety is a proven prevention approach that focuses on observing real behaviours at work and reinforcing safe habits through positive feedback.
How is BBS different from traditional safety methods?
Traditional approaches rely on rules, training, and audits.
BBS works directly on the shop floor, with teams, to change habits sustainably and anticipate risks before they cause accidents.
What are the concrete benefits for the company?
Significant and measurable reduction in workplace accidents; Collective engagement in prevention; Improved safety climate and overall wellbeing at work (QVCT); More proactive and people-centred management.
Why are BBS programme interesting?
Behavioural checklists, mobile apps for data collection, dashboard tracking, and collaborative feedback workshops.
At C2D Prévention, all these tools are integrated into the KBI platform — practical, user-friendly, and collaborative.
How is BBS implemented in practice?
Training and awareness for all teams.
Regular on-site observations using tailored checklists.
Immediate, positive, and constructive feedback.
Monitoring of behavioural indicators.
Recognition of progress and sharing of best practices.
In which sectors can BBS be applied?
In all sectors where human behaviour directly impacts safety: industry, construction, healthcare, logistics, energy, transport, and beyond.
Why choose C2D Prevention for your BBS programme?
Because we combine human expertise, digital tools (KBI), and field support to make BBS simple, measurable, and sustainable. We help your teams see, understand, and transform behaviours into lasting safety reflexes.
Yang, E., Kim, Y., & Rodgers, C. (2024). Effects of a behavior-based safety observation program: promoting safe behaviors and safety climate at work. Work, 77(1), 133-145.
Spigener, J., Lyon, G., & McSween, T. (2022). Behavior-based safety 2022: Today’s evidence. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 42(4), 336-359.
Nunu, W. N., Kativhu, T., & Moyo, P. (2018). An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabwe. Safety and health at work, 9(3), 308-313.