About the Safety Perception Survey

The Caterpillar Safety Perception Survey (SPS) is a powerful safety culture assessment tool with a rich history of research and development, starting in the 1970s with safety pioneer Dr. Dan Petersen. Modernized in 2023 by Caterpillar Safety Services, the survey measures cultural performance against five levels of culture maturity and 11 safety culture indicators. It incorporates many safety culture concepts, such as psychological safety, and human and organizational performance.

The safety perception survey can be administered through a pencil-to-scan form or an online survey method. Every employee in the organization is given a voice by providing yes/no responses to 65 survey questions.

Each survey question addresses one of the 11 safety culture indicators. The indicators, which include areas such as Leadership Credibility, Caring Climate, Employee Involvement, and Risk Reduction, are proven to influence an organization’s overall safety performance.

The Safety Perception Survey results are segmented into three groups – employees, supervisors, and managers – to reveal perception gaps. The areas of greatest perception disparity typically become the first focal points in a continuous improvement strategy.

Beyond the survey, optional on-site interviews gather qualitative data on the safety culture at the individual level. Whether used to complement the safety culture survey, or as a standalone process, interviews and follow-up analysis identify focal points for change.

An on-site cultural assessment can also be included with the Safety Perception Survey. This can include interviews as well as field observations to identify the degree to which safety is integrated into the overall business.

Caterpillar Safety Services’ experienced safety culture consultants analyze the data, then provide a report recommending next steps to executive leaders. This process is the catalyst for safety culture improvement.