Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) Checklist
A Behaviour Safety Checklist is used to observe, assess, and improve safe and unsafe work behaviors in line with recognized occupational health and safety standards. It supports proactive hazard control and strengthens safety culture through structured observation.
This checklist aligns with:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1))
- International Organization for Standardization ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE UK) – Managing for Health and Safety (HSG65)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards (where fire-related behaviors are involved)
1. Administrative Information
| Date of Observation: | |
| Time: | |
| Location/Department: | |
| Observer Name: | |
| Job/Task Observed: | |
| Number of Workers Observed: | |
| Type of Observation: |
Planned Random Follow-up |
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance
(ISO 45001 Clause 8.1 – Operational Control; OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required PPE identified in risk assessment | ||||
| Correct PPE worn for task | ||||
| PPE worn properly (helmet fastened, gloves intact, etc.) | ||||
| PPE in good condition (no defects) | ||||
| Specialized PPE used where required (respirator, harness, arc-rated clothing) |
3. Safe Work Practices & Procedures
(ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2; OSHA General Duty Clause)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Risk Assessment available | ||||
| Worker follows approved safe work procedure | ||||
| Permit-to-work system complied with (if applicable) | ||||
| Lockout/Tagout followed correctly | ||||
| Confined space entry requirements met | ||||
| Hot work controls in place (fire watch, permit, extinguishers) | ||||
| Proper lifting techniques observed |
4. Equipment & Tool Use
(OSHA 29 CFR 1910; ISO 45001 Operational Control)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tools inspected before use | ||||
| Equipment used for intended purpose only | ||||
| Machine guards in place and not bypassed | ||||
| No unauthorized modifications | ||||
| Operators competent and trained |
5. Housekeeping & Work Environment
(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D; HSG65)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work area clean and organized | ||||
| Walkways free from obstruction | ||||
| Spills cleaned promptly | ||||
| Materials stored safely | ||||
| Waste disposed properly | ||||
| Emergency exits accessible |
6. Fire & Emergency Behavior
(NFPA Codes; OSHA 1910.38 – Emergency Action Plans)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire extinguishers accessible | ||||
| No unsafe ignition sources | ||||
| Workers aware of emergency exits | ||||
| Emergency drills understood | ||||
| No horseplay or unsafe acts during emergency tasks |
7. Behavioral Factors (Core BBS Elements)
(ISO 45001 Clause 5 – Leadership & Worker Participation)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker demonstrates hazard awareness | ||||
| Positive safety attitude observed | ||||
| Peer-to-peer safety intervention observed | ||||
| Supervisor actively monitors safety | ||||
| Workers stop unsafe work when necessary | ||||
| Near misses reported promptly |
8. Communication & Training
(ISO 45001 Clause 7 – Support; OSHA Training Requirements)
| Item | Yes | No | N/A | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toolbox talk conducted | ||||
| Workers understand task risks | ||||
| Safety signage visible and understood | ||||
| New workers adequately supervised | ||||
| Language barriers addressed |
9. Risk Rating (Optional Scoring Section)
| Total Safe Behaviors Observed: | |
| Total Unsafe Behaviors Observed: | |
| % Safe Score: | |
| Risk Level: |
Low Medium High Critical |
10. Immediate Corrective Actions
| Unsafe behavior corrected on the spot? |
Yes No |
| Description of corrective action taken: | |
| Further action required? |
Training Disciplinary action Engineering control Procedure update Management review |
11. Worker Feedback Section
(Behavior-Based Safety principle: Immediate constructive feedback reinforces safe acts.)
| Was feedback provided to worker? | |
| Worker response: | |
| Suggestions from worker: |
12. Supervisor/Management Review
| Review Date: | |
| Trends identified: | |
| Recurring unsafe behaviors: | |
| Preventive actions implemented: | |
| Close-out date: |