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SAFESTART™ Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SAFESTART for?
SAFESTART is designed for anyone looking to reduce accidents. Because the core concepts of the SAFESTART process are universal in their approach, anyone operating in a hazardous environment can benefit.
How does SAFESTART work?
While this question is easy to ask, it is hard to be satisfied with a simple one or two sentence answer. However, simply put, SAFESTART changes behavior by raising the level of safety awareness. It teaches people how to recognize or "trigger" the states of mind that lead to at-risk behavior.
What makes SAFESTART different from traditional behavior-based programs?
SAFESTART:
- is a continuous process. It begins from day one and never ceases. It is a part of every minute of every day.
- doesn't require employees to observe their peers. This element of traditional behavior-based safety sometimes presents an obstacle to effective implementation, especially in a unionized environment.
- is less expensive.
- is less time-consuming.
- is less objectionable.
- is designed to elicit employee ownership, which ensures that implementation will be comprehensive. This translates into maximum effectiveness.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Six to seven hours of actual class time is required to watch the videos and effectively progress through all five workbooks (individual reading time may vary). This time allows for group discussion, which promotes learning. To prevent subject matter attrition, we recommend that you maintain an average pace of one module per week. However, remember that SAFESTART is not technically a program but a process. In order to be effective, the SAFESTART concepts must be continually practiced in your organization.
What is the recommended class size?
The desired number of students in a SAFESTART class is anywhere from 15 to 20 students. Any less than 15 and it becomes difficult to instill a sense of importance in the process. Any more than 20 and you run the risk of impeding open communication. Healthy group discussion is an integral component to the SAFESTART process. Through group discussion, peers realize that they are not the only ones committing errors. In addition, group discussion helps everyone become actively involved in the safety process.
Why can't we just watch the videos?
SAFESTART adheres to a proven instructional design that appeals to all types of learning abilities. With SAFESTART, maximum comprehension and subject matter retention is achieved by utilizing all methods of learning:
- Reading and Writing - using the workbooks.
- Hearing and Seeing - using the videotapes.
- Interactivity - engaging in group discussion.
- Applying by Doing - practicing good use of the states-to-errors cards in real life.
I noticed some repetition in the workbooks. Is this necessary?
Yes. The SAFESTART textbooks use a variety of scenario-based examples to teach the core concepts of the SAFESTART process. While the concepts remain the same, the examples that reinforce them continuously change. This optimizes the learning process and ensures that workers are not just memorizing information, but comprehending what they are reading.
How soon can we expect to see results?
Many times the answer is immediately! Once you have completed the implementation phase of the SAFESTART process (six to seven class hours or six to eight weeks overall), you will realize a dramatic improvement in the level of safety awareness in your organization. Many organizations continue to experience a reduction in incident rates long after the implementation phase. By carefully adhering to the SAFESTART process, you will be well on your way to changing the culture of your organization.
Do we need consultants to administer the SAFESTART process?
Yes. While SAFESTART is designed to be self-implemented, it is critical that key leaders in your safety department go through our mandatory 2-day train-the-trainer session to greatly improve your company’s chances for a successful rollout. To further facilitate implementation, optional consultative services include: a 1-hour kick-off session, a 3-hour overview session covering units 1 and 2 (our most popular offering) and the ultimate “We conduct all the training for you” service.
I'm too busy. How will I find the time to manage a new safety program?
It's really not that time intensive. Once implemented, the SAFESTART process becomes employee-driven. While it is critical that you obtain the support of management to achieve the desired success, the SAFESTART process is designed to empower the worker. Each successive day you will find that employees are taking more and more responsibility for their own safety. Of course, it is necessary that you work to keep the process alive. But SAFESTART doesn't require the type of time commitment normally demanded in traditional behavior-based safety.
Many of our employees have difficulty with reading comprehension. Are the SAFESTART workbooks easy to comprehend?
Absolutely. The SAFESTART curriculum is written for all levels of reading ability. The textbooks are especially designed to turn complex, real-life scenarios into easily understandable terms. This not only makes learning fun, but highly effective.
Will SAFESTART change or replace what we're doing now?
No. SAFESTART is actually complementary to your current compliance program. The SAFESTART process takes its advanced concepts and uses them to raise the level of safety awareness in each individual. SAFESTART is just one component to an overall safety training program. Most organizations find dramatic results when incorporating the SAFESTART process into their existing compliance training.
SAFESTART teaches not to "rush." How do you avoid rushing and still maximize productivity?
This is a great question. Rushing can't always be avoided. In those circumstances where rushing is necessary to perform a job (i.e. - Driving an ambulance to the scene of an accident), SAFESTART helps heighten awareness of your state-of-mind, your behavior and the environment. This minimizes the chances of being involved in an accident. But, remember that in most cases, rushing is part of a greater problem - the culture of an organization. If management places incentives on speed and quantity with no consequences for poor quality, then rushing and injuries will continue. One other note to remember is that rushing does not always equate to productivity and high throughput. A rushed worker becomes easily fatigued, thus resulting in errors and reduced effectiveness.
How does SAFESTART elicit "employee ownership?"
By developing a common language in your organization, SAFESTART provides employees with the vocabulary to communicate effectively. Consistent terminology is necessary in any organization that strives for speed and overall improvement. The concepts of SAFESTART are straightforward and help employees turn common sense into common practice. By implementing a safety program that doesn't reprimand employees for mistakes, you enlist the trust of your employees by demonstrating that you care about their safety. Most importantly, SAFESTART takes the phrase "self-implemented" to a new level. With the SAFESTART process, employees are in charge of their own safety. This important issue of empowerment gives your employees the confidence that will enable your organization to achieve its goals.
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