The TR safety observation method

The TR safety observation method is a reliable tool for evaluating the safety level of a construction site. It is good and simple for routine use by the site personnel and safety inspectors. The method is also flexible to suit distinctive construction stages in which the work, tools and hazards change considerably.

The elements of the TR

• Ground rules for the construction site formed by the site personnel. The rules consist of no more than 10 suggestions for good safety practice. 
  
  
• Information meeting and goal setting. An information meeting is organized for all the workers and subcontractors. At the meeting, the safety targets, the observation method and the feedback are explained, and the baseline observations are presented. A goal for the safety index is set during the discussion. An example of a goal could be to reach for instance  85% in four months.
  
  
• Weekly observation rounds. During the inspection, the entire site is toured and observations are made of every item bearing on occupational safety. The tour is performed by the emplyer's and employees' representatives together. A representative of a subcontractor may also be included. The result obtained is the site safety level (=safety index) in the form of a percentage figure. The safety index is posted on the feedback board.
  
  
• Feedback boards are posted within sight of all workers and supervisors. The safety index of each weekly observation round is then marked on the graph. The board gives clear neutral feedback and no verbal reproof is necessary. 

How to use the TR?

1. The observer walks through the entire site and makes the observations.
2. The observations are marked as strokes on a short observation form.
3. Each item is scored as 'correct' if it meets the safety standards, otherwise the item is scored as 'not correct'. If the observer is not sure how to score, the item is not scored at all. This is the simplest possible scoring principle. It also makes the method flexible for changes in legislation and for use in different countries.
4. The safety index is calculated as a percentage of the 'correct' items related to all the observed items. The index may vary from 0 to 100% . If the level is for example 70%, this means that 70 items out of 100 were correct.
                       
   You can print the observation form and the observation rules here:
   The TR observation form (.pdf 61 KB) 

Read more about the TR method and the criteria of assessment from the booklet "TR - safety supervision on the building site".
Price 29 euros +8% VAT and postal fee
Order by sending e-mail to Pirkko-Liisa Rasa

Contact person

Pirkko-Liisa Rasa