The purpose of a safety observations program is to proactively identify and address

hazards and risks. The number of reported observations is a leading indicator, but
lagging indicators, such as incident rates, help to measure the effectiveness of the
program. By comparing the number of observations and incident rates over time, we
can have a good idea if observations are providing valuable insights into hazards and
risks.

During last FY 2021-22, Fauji Cement Plant (JB) reported a serious catastrophic
incident which resulted in 01 Fatality and 02 lost time injuries. The most concerning
factor along with other causes was the low number of observations along with low
quality in this area and safety observation were “Locals are wandering in Quarry Area”,
“A lot of goats are wandering” and “the driver’s helper running”.” Seriously? But yes it’s
happened.

At the end of the day, the goal is to prevent injuries, property losses etc. Now ask your-
self that whether above mentioned examples would serve the purpose of preventing
injuries?

Start with a Pilot Program

Fauji Cement (JB) took the initiative of “Vision Zero” with current TRIFR “Zero - 0” only
and is now focused on what we call “focused observations.” This means that significant
number of quality observations are done on activities having SIFs (Serious Injuries &
Fatalities) potential based on previous data, or incidents. More and more organizations
with best-in-class safety performance are focusing on work activities with high SIF
potential.

The pilot program run after serious catastrophic incident which resulted in or a specific
duration. Answer these key questions to help determine the changes that should be
made before rolling out the program everywhere:
o Are officers participating (yes)? What is the percentage of officers who reported at
least one observation (>90%), and the average number of observations per worker
(03 observations/officer)?
o Is it easy to report observations (yes)? Are workers satisfied with the way
observations are reported (yes)? Is the process quick and user-friendly (yes)?
o Are we getting the right number of observations (yes)? Are we getting a lot of
observations because the program is working well (yes)? If we are not getting
enough observations, is it due to a lack of participation, unclear instructions, or
because there are not many unsafe conditions or behaviors to report?
o Is there enough data per observation (yes)? Are we satisfied with the quantity and
quality of details for each observation (no - quality)?
o What is the value of the observations? Are people entering random observations just
for the sake of reporting something (sometimes yes)?
o Are you noticing differences between work groups (yes)? For example, are workers
from some departments participating less, are workers of a specific team
participating more (yes)?

Compare Observations with Incidents

Comparisons between the numbers of observations and incidents may reveal one of the
following:

o High observations + High incidents: The quantity of observations is good, but not
the quality, i.e. observations are not useful in producing valuable insights into
hazards and risks.
o High observations + Low incidents: Insights from observations are being
successfully used to identify and address hazards and risks, thereby reducing
incidents.
o Low observations + High incidents: Not enough observations are being captured
to produce insights into hazards and risks, therefore incidents are staying high.
o Low observations + Low incidents : Safety performance has improved so much
that there are fewer new hazards or risks to identify through observations.

Also, note that correlation may not imply causation. For example, verify if these
scenarios may be occurring:

o High observations + High incidents : Observations may be successfully identifying

hazards, but no action is taken, or controls are not successfully reducing risks of
incidents. The problem is with execution or risk mitigation, not observations.
o High observations + Low incidents : May be most hazards were already known
because of hazard assessments conducted regularly, and have been addressed;
while many observations may not be valuable and aren’t revealing new hazards.

Note:
There will be a lag time. For example, if the number of observations has been high
since January, incident rates may start to decline only as of April, since it may take time
to fully identify and eliminate hazards or control risks through action plans.

In general, simply aiming for a high quantity of observations is not enough. Quality also
matters.

nuisance
Key Findings:
1. The workers should be included in Safety Observations Program as currently
officers are reporting only.
2. The quality of observations needs improvement as many individuals are reporting
only housekeeping observations since several months.
3. The majority of department’s engagement level is exceptional whereas few
departments are still not fully engaged?