Introduction

Traditional SHEQ performance approaches often fail to inspire employees to optimise SHEQ performance. Traditionally these efforts focus on:

Traditional approaches have done well; however, the sole reliance on them may also be the major obstacle to achieve sustainable and optimal SHEQ performance.

Traditional training is based in part on the assumption that once people know what to do, how to do it, and why (competency), they will automatically behave in accordance with such competency for extended periods of time. Clearly this is not the case. The reality is that the more competent a person becomes, the more such a person is inclined to take risks (Wilde 2001). Risk taking behaviour is the direct result of the consequences of behaviour experienced or anticipated.

Behaviour-Based – The Missing Link to Optimal SHEQ Performance

Why Behavioural Based? Behaviourists and psychologists have revealed that people by nature are inclined to take risks because of the uncertain consequences anticipated. This is evident in the multitude of at-risk behaviours that employees perform.

Consequences, or pay-offs, that are soon, certain and meaningful are far more powerful than consequences that are delayed, uncertain and trivial. For example, was it not for uncertain consequences that people anticipate or experience, no person will smoke, no person will speed, no person will operate unsafe equipment, as example.

Traditional approaches mostly focus on the consequences that are delayed, uncertain and trivial; for example, don't do that because you might be injured, if you break the rules you will be disciplined, and if you do not comply with legislation you will be locked up.