‘Behaviour-based safety’ programs undermine safe workplaces and worker solidarity

Behaviour-based safety programs, which are now the guiding method used by many companies, shift employer responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace onto workers by focusing on workers’ ‘behaviour’ rather than the workplace hazards which are the source of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. They undermine union-based health and safety committees and workplace solidarity based on collective bargaining.

The IUF 27th Congress adopted a resolution opposing behaviour-based safety and committing the IUF to develop programs to educate workers on their dangers, among other measures.

A new policy paper and summary, developed by the IUF Food Processing Division, detail the destructive impact of these programs and explain how occupational safety and health management systems which truly protect workers’ health and safety are developed and implemented.