I have been an enthusiast of BBS since 1989 when I had exposure to BST in Mobile, Alabama, while working for Exxon. At the same time I studied extensively the works of and about W. Edwards Deming— work he did in Japan and began in the United States— along with Steven Covey’s Seven Habits. From the personal experience I had with accidents in my work and those that I had witnessed, I knew that much more was needed than just traditional safety and that the BBS processes held the answer.
Although that was my passion, I had only occasional opportunities to practice and implement BBS and I quickly learned how, without a good foundation and covering all the bases, the system would not be sustainable.
I saw in Terry McSween’s book, The Values-Based Safety Process, a clarity and completeness, and I observed in the initial rollout the same clarity in action. What was thrilling and beyond my wildest dreams was the way 15 distinct people selected by a random process came together and became a team. I literally had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming as they quickly understood and went to work designing and implementing at the design phase. Much had to do with Terry’s and Judy Stowe’s sincere and simple way that captured the heart of the Executive Management so much so that now when the Exec’s speak they communicate a deafening sincerity that leaves no doubt that they have bought in to the process.
One of the members of the design team after his first three days of introduction to QSE’s Values-Based Safety began practicing and as the highest level supervisor at his branch began making an impact! Following is his note:
Folks,
I was performing an observation to test the checklist. During the feedback stage the individual being observed did not entirely understand the concern (a line of fire concern). I had the individual switch places with me and stand where I was and as I assumed the position he was working in I could see the light coming on in his face. When I stood back up I heard the magic words from him, “Wow! You know . . . I never thought of that!”
The system works!!!
James K. Weaver
Sincerely,
Jack Hallett
Corporate HSE Director for Waukesha Pearce Industries Inc.