Predicting a Safer Healthcare Workplace

Many healthcare providers will agree that unsafe work environments threaten an organization's well-being and financial security. Healthcare organizations traditionally look to improve patient and employee safety through better equipment, improved ergonomics and comprehensive safety training. However, there is evidence to suggest that a fourth factor may have an even greater impact on safety: competency assessments that predict safe behavior.

In his article, "Selecting for Safety" (Occupational and Safety Magazine, September 2003), Orlando J. Olivares, Ph.D, suggested that research demonstrates "there are personality factors that predispose individuals to be accident prone." Dr. Olivares' discussion suggests evidence of trait predictors "to which people perceive situations in a positive, alert, and enthusiastic manner or to which individuals display subjective distress."

Behavior-based Assessment Tools
Based on this and other predictive design research, organizations such as Avesta Systems, Inc. have created assessment tools to help identify potential employees with a tendency to better manage their environment, engage in accurate decision-making and recognize situational contingencies. These are all traits, according to most experts, that lead to safer workplace habits.

Validated behavior-based selection assessments can effectively help to identify personality traits that may lead to accidents. These traits include quality of decision-making, distractibility and accuracy in performing specific operations.

Interestingly, the assessments can also predict personality traits that demonstrate a propensity toward other characteristics such as,

An adherence to rules and procedures

Willingness to abide by overall corporate policies, procedures, and rules

A desire to show a high level of detail-orientation, conscientiousness and dependability concurrent with attributes associated with low rates of absenteeism

The ability to succeed in a fast-paced, stressful work environment

Hiring for Competency in the Midst of a Recruitment Crisis
In the healthcare industry, Human Resource professionals struggle to find clinically and physically qualified workers capable of working in inherently stressful situations. These candidates must be able to provide medical care in inconvenient circumstances while being routinely scrutinized. Moreover, candidates must be able to work in an environment of unpredictable safety challenges. Simply possessing the requisite clinical skill does not predict an individual's ability to comply with the emotional and safety demands of the healthcare industry.

Regardless of the impact, some organizations overlook the value of behavior-based selection assessment tools as part of their hiring process. With such a priority to fill open positions in healthcare roles, the effect of a "bad-hire" can be taken for granted.

Human Relations Can be the Key to a Safer and More Competent Workplace

The role of Human Resource teams in healthcare has expanded throughout the years. In high-performing healthcare organizations, all aspects of workforce planning, recruiting, training and development, retention, and the creation of a positive workplace culture – are the responsibility of Human Resource professionals. As Human Resource departments continue to evolve and take on a strategic role within healthcare organizations, they may also be the key to a safer workplace.

The use of sophisticated recruitment and behavior-based selection tools can help healthcare organizations create a wider net for finding qualified candidates and screen for individuals who possess traits that manifest into a safer working environment. Ultimately, the right recruitment and behavior-based selection tools pay for themselves many times over.

However, sometimes organizations find reasons not to invest in a safer workplace. Nevertheless, faced with the reality of a workplace tragedy, families, friends and the community may question why prevention measures were not pursued. No amount of reason may seem adequate. Properly selecting individuals with a propensity for managing their environment and making accurate decisions will lead to a safer workplace. Validated behavior-based selection assessments can create a foundation for all other workplace safety strategies.

Five questions when considering a behavior-based selection assessment for your organization...

Greg Lawton is President of Avesta Systems, Inc. in Macedonia, Ohio. Avesta is an integrated Talent Management organization for healthcare providers. Avesta is physician-owned and understands the multi-faceted needs of healthcare clients. Avesta helps healthcare clients reduce accidents through the development of intelligent hiring practices and the creation of comprehensive safety courseware. Please e-mail questions here.