One of the keys to getting the most out of a Safety Perception Survey is to create the right questionnaire. Safety professionals use three common formats to create Perception Surveys:

1. Yes/No: The simplest Survey format involves asking questions that can be answered YES, NO or UNSURE and then tally up percentages of each response by question.

2. 1 to 5: The second method is to provide a performance scale, typically from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the lowest level and 5 the highest. Total numeric values per question would be averaged and flagged. For example, you might determine in advance that any question with an average response value below 3 is an indication of a trouble area.

3. Multiple Choice: The third common method is to ask questions and provide multiple choice answers.

Other Safety Perception Survey tips:

• Phrase questions as objectively as possible so as to avoid tipping your hand on the answers you  prefer;
• Keep the language as simple as possible and ensure that each question asks for a single, discrete piece of information;
• Allow workers to complete the survey anonymously if they prefer;
• Keep the survey limited to one page—20 to 30 questions; and
• Repeat surveys at appropriate intervals, e.g., every 6 months, to track changes in perceptions.

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top