A survey-based system for safety measurement and improvement

A task force sought to develop a method for safety measurement that is reliable and valid and provides a framework for improvement efforts.

Over a 10-year period, through working in a chemical company with about 6,000 employees and over 50 plants, the authors researched the use of employee surveys to measure safety and as a diagnostic tool for improvement efforts.

The statistical studies indicate that this survey, which evolved from the Minnesota Safety Perception Survey, is both reliable and valid as a measurement tool. The survey measures important components of the management system including (a) management's demonstration of commitment to safety, (b) education and knowledge of the workforce, (c) effectiveness of the supervisory process, and (d) employee involvement and commitment. This study also describes anecdotal evidence that the diagnostic element of the survey enables the development of effective action plans to improve safety performance. This evidence includes ratings of the process by plant managers who have used it.

The survey and related methods have helped to improve safety performance in several companies.