ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of basic steps involved in developing and sustaining high-performance safety teams. It outlines seven consecutive phases of teamwork, from selecting team members to disbanding or renewing the team. During the prior "getting acquainted" phase, the mission was given as a general description of the team's assignment. Total participation of every team member during important discussions is vital for consensus-building. Thus, open and frank discussion should be a team-meeting ground rule accepted by everyone. Willing workers cannot improve without receiving feedback directly related to their performance, and such feedback is only available through an objective and periodic evaluation process. After observation and feedback teams are in operation throughout work culture, the Safety Steering Team changes its focus from promoting and training to advising and maintaining. An optimal way to renew the confidence and purpose of a team is to display clear and objective evidence that their efforts make a difference.
