Understanding and Developing a Behavior-Based Safety Program for State DOT Employees
Understanding and Developing a Behavior-Based Safety Program for State DOT Employees supports researchers developing a guide and strategic plan to improve state DOT employees’ safety behavior and decision-making.
Funder: Transportation Research Board
Due Dates: Proposals received; contract award in progress
Funding Amounts: $250,000 for a 24-month contract
Summary: Supports development of a guide and strategic plan to improve state DOT employee safety behavior and decision-making.
Key Information: Proposing agencies must be able to accept the National Academies’ Liability Statement without alterations.
Description
This Transportation Research Board (TRB) project, administered through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), examines how organizational systems, leadership practices, and working conditions influence state department of transportation (DOT) employee safety. It addresses persistent incidents resulting in injuries, lost time, limited work capability, property damage, and operational disruption despite investments in safety policies and training. Relevant influences include supervision, workload, fatigue, resource availability, peer norms, communication, production pressure, environmental conditions, and work design.
The research will produce a guide identifying proven and noteworthy approaches, practices, and interventions that promote safer behavior and decision-making, including accountability at all levels. It will also develop a strategic plan to address knowledge gaps in DOT safety programs and practices. The emphasis is on practical interventions beyond reliance on training, communication, compliance, or disciplinary approaches alone.
