Methodology

Conduct a survey that's not merely a sampling, but all-inclusive so everyone is heard, involvement is expected, and results are solid.

Whether you conduct the survey using traditional paper and pencil, online or the combination of both, the tool is as reliable as it is simple to implement. The CoreMedia Safety Perception Survey process is summarized into four logical steps: initial communication, data collection and assessment, and report. From statistically valid data and an objective analyses, CoreMedia helps guide your internally-led safety teams to introduce and marshal their improvement plans.

Communicating The Process & Its Benefits

Open, clear and consistent communication of the benefits and importance of the survey increases involvement, optimizes participation and furthers traction, which drive long-term success. A client team leader will receive a Safety Perception Survey kit and training on how to communicate the process internally. CoreMedia provides project communiqués, a PowerPoint presentation, messaging examples (for email or newsletter articles), coaching to assist in the survey rollout, and other appropriate related additional production needs. Leadership presence — genuine involvement — is also integral to a valid outcome and long-term success.

Questionnaire

The Safety Perception Survey includes a total of 99 yes-no questions, which can be administered online or by traditional pencil-to-scan forms.

The paper-based questionnaire is computer-scored from a pre-printed form with a customized heading. Anonymity is preserved; survey respondents identify themselves by their location and organizational level only, not by name. CoreMedia and the client project team will make every effort to tailor the verbiage to resonate with cultural or international differences.

An online implementation includes the Web-based hosting by CoreMedia; each question is identical to the paper-based questionnaire. Anonymity is preserved; survey respondents identify themselves by their location, department and "employee level" only, not by name. For user ease, all survey "yes-no" questions appear on the interface one at a time before the respondent clicks "submit."

Sample

Because one of the objectives of the survey is to generate involvement, it's critical that the sample includes all available personnel. If the survey is conducted via pencil and paper, we encourage the availability of rooms where employee groups can assemble and take the survey at the same time. Not only does it bring people together for a common task, but setting aside time sends a strong message of importance. Based on a group of 25 to 30 employees, expect to set aside 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

While a 100% response rate is not always possible, a 90% response rate is still able to attain a margin of error of no greater than +/-2.5% (at a 95% confidence level). That is to say, the results will be within +/-2.5% 95 times out of 100.

Tabulating The Data

Because the survey is administered online and/or by pencil-to-paper scan forms, its process allows for efficient, convenient, and non-invasive data collection, and — if conducted on forms — a recordable paper trail. Software capabilities also ensure data flexibility, which can be uploaded electronically to the client.

Reporting The Outcomes

Graphs and charts demonstrate where managers, supervisors, front-line employees or other specified groups align their perceptions and attitudes. Clients are able to view charts that illustrate perceptions by employee level for each location surveyed and how the company compares to a national average (based on a database of more than 30,000 respondents). The report also includes a breakdown of target areas and what the results mean for initiating a focused continuous improvement process.

The final deliverable is sent electronically for client review. Once approved, CoreMedia will provide a final report in CD and print. In these documents, the client receives the three personnel scores for each of the 21 Safety Culture Indicators.