Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Elements of HSG65 Health and 3 Arrangements (WHAT) ‐ Set out in Targets
detail the systems and procedures for
Safety Management Systems: Important because:
implementing the safety policy ‐ for
They give evidence of management
POP MR A example safe systems of work.
commitment.
Policy: They motivate staff by giving them
Sets out Health and Safety aims and Issues included in Organization: something to aim for.
objectives of the organisation and
Clear roles and responsibilities for all
Management commitment.
health and safety responsibilities Ineffective Health and Safety
Safety policy should be signed by the
allocated.
most senior person in the organisation Policies
Competence. – From recruitment through
because: No commitment or leadership.
to staff transfers and training. ‐ KATE
It shows management commitment. No annual objectives.
Control. – Policies, procedures, auditing,
It gives the policy authority. Health and safety not given enough
supervision and management
The person who signed it has priority.
involvement. Allocating responsibilities
ultimate responsibility. Insufficient resources provided.
accountabilities, instruction, supervision
Personnel do not understand the aims.
to achieve control of H&S.
Organisation: 5Cs Too much emphasis on employee
Cooperation. – is assisted by consultation
responsibility.
Clear roles and responsibilities. and demonstrates management
No measurement of performance.
Competence. KATE commitment ‐ internally between
Management unaware of their role.
Control. (policies, procedures) individuals, groups, departments,
No training of management in their
Co‐operation obtained through including consultation with H&S reps and
responsibilities.
consultation. externally between clients suppliers and
Communication. (Should flow in all contractors.
directions) Communication. – Needs to flow in all Employer’s responsibilities towards
directions. Verbal, written, visible, Employees:
Planning and Implementation: example Provide safe plant and equipment.
Generate SMART objectives. Information, instruction, training and
Identify hazards, assess risks and decide Issues included in Arrangements: supervision (ITIS).
how risks can be eliminated or Sets out in detail how the requirements of Safe place of work, access and egress.
controlled. the policy will be met This will include Safe environment and welfare facilities.
Set standards against which performance procedures and arrangements for planning, Provide a Safety policy.
can be measured. organisation, control, monitoring and review. Consult and inform employees.
The procedures might include: Perform risk assessments.
Measuring Performance Risk assessments. Provide effective health and safety
Used as a means of determining the COSHH assessments – Control of management.
extent to which health and safety substances hazardous to health. Competent health and safety assistance.
policy and objectives are being Safe systems of work. Health surveillance.
implemented. It should be both: Permits to work.
Proactive. – Safety performance Eectrical work, hotwork, confined Precautions for visitor safety
measurements made before an spaces. Signing in.
accident happens Manual handling. Providing identification badges.
Reactive. – Safety performance Policies and procedures – Fire, First aid Providing personal protective
measurements made on information Training programmes. equipment.
resulting from accidents and ill‐health. Maintenance of plant and equipment. Site induction e.g. fire precautions.
Housekeeping. Escorting visitor to area of work.
Reviewing Performance Storage, transportation, handling. Remain with visitor back to reception
Radiation, dust, noise, fumes. area.
Analysing data gathered through
PPE personal protective equipment. Signing out visitor and removing badge.
monitoring to see whether
performance is adequate.
The safety policy should be Duties of Employees:
Audit reviewed: Protect themselves and others from
Systematic critical examination of each After: danger.
stage of an organisation’s Prosecutions Co‐operation with employer.
management systems and procedures. Enforcement Action Not to interfere with anything provided
Compensation Claims for safety.
Review period expires Follow instructions and training given.
Components of Safety policy:
Professional Advise Inform employer of dangers and
1 Statement of Intent (WHAT) ‐
Accidents or Incidents. problems with health and safety
Demonstrates Management’s
Changes in: arrangements.
commitment to health and safety and
Organisation.
sets the H&S aims and objectives
2 Organization (WHO) ‐ To identify H&S Processes.
roles & responsibilities and reporting Materials.
lines within the company. This Premises.
involves Competence Control Co‐ Legislation.
operation and Communication Work patterns.
Risk assessments.
2 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Requirements of Safety practitioner: Membership of trade organisations. Ability to contribute to decision making
Suitable training for employees. process.
Knowledge and understanding of the
Arrangements for sub contractors. Be able to communicate with workers
work involved.
Suitable risk assessments etc. during working hours.
Understanding of principles of risk
Be free to contact labour inspectors.
assessment.
Managing of contractors on site Be able to contribute to negotiations in
Knowledge of current health and safety
Appointment of coordinator. the undertaking of health and safety
applications.
Pre‐contract meeting. matters.
Capacity to apply to tasks required.
Progress meetings. Have reasonable paid time to exercise
Ability to identify problems.
Regular inspections. their health and safety functions.
Ability to assess the need for action.
Safety committee. Have recourse to specialists for advise on
Ability to design and develop strategies.
Method statements. particular health and safety problems.
Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies.
Accident and incident reporting.
Promote and communicate health and
safety. Client set example. Matters on which employees are to
Understand current best practice. Safety propaganda. be consulted
Awareness of own limitations. Plant documentation. Introduction of measures that affect
Willingness to learn. Training competency. their health and safety.
Membership of a professional body New processes and technology.
IIRSM IOSH. Reducing the risks to Contractors New organisation of work patterns.
Competence based qualification. before and during the building New personal protective equipment.
Planning and organisation of any training
project
Functions of the safety practitioner required.
Before:
Advise management.
Careful selection of suitable
Carry out inspections. Safety committee
contractors.
Investigate accidents. Object is to promote co‐operation
Identification of hazards associated
Record and analyze accident data. between employees and employer on
with the job.
Assist with training. health and safety matters.
Checking the health and safety
Contact external bodies. No set structure. Formation of a safety
aspects of the bids.
Liaison with the work force. committee is between the employer
Establishing site rules.
Keep up to date with new safety and worker’s union/volunteers.
Suitable risk assessments.
standards. Equal representation from management
Suitable training for employees.
Liaison with contractors. and safety representatives.
Method statements.
Appointment of co‐coordinator.
External parties the Safety Pre‐contract meeting. Safety committee – effective
practitioner will communicate with. During: meetings
The enforcing authority. EHS Progress meetings.
Agenda may include relevant items such as:
Fire and rescue service. Regular inspections.
Study of statistics.
Insurance company. Safety committee.
Examination of audit reports.
Contractors. Accident/incident reporting.
Analysis of inspector’s report.
Consultants and engineers. Clients sets an example.
Consideration of safety
Manufacturers and suppliers. Safety propaganda.
representative’s reports.
Clients and customers. Monitor training program.
Development and monitoring of work
Police.
safety rules and safe systems of
Specialist health practitioners. Functions of the Safety work.
Public. Appraisal of effectiveness of safety
Representative
Media. training.
Investigate potential hazards and
Monitor adequacy of health and safety
dangerous occurrences.
Management strategy for Investigate complaints from employees. communication.
contractors Make representations on general Establish a link with the appropriate
matters of health and safety to inspectors.
Identification of suitable bidders.
employer.
Checking health and safety aspects of
bids. Carry out workplace inspections. Factors that influence the
Contractors agree to clients rules. Examine causes of accidents. effectiveness of safety committee
Managing the contractors on site. Consult with enforcement authorities. Balanced representation.
Identification of hazards related to job. Attend safety committee meetings. Influence in decision making.
Checking contractor work. Respect of management.
Importance of consulting Commitment from members.
Selection of a suitable contractor Worker’s committees and Good leadership and chairmanship.
Experience with type of work. representatives should: Good communication channels.
Reputation. Be given adequate information on health Access to information or specialist
Suitable reference or recommendation. and safety matters. advice.
Previous work record. Be consulted when major health and Formalised procedures with agendas.
Adequacy of safety policy. safety changes are envisaged. Relevant (not trivial) agenda items.
Enforcement history. Given protection from dismissal when Agenda not led by industrial relations.
Accident and ill‐health data. carrying out duties as a representative.
3 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Safety Culture = The product of Health and safety seen as a low priority. Barriers to verbal communication.
Lack of supervision. Hearing or speech defects.
individual and group values,
Reorganization and uncertainty. Noise.
attitudes, competencies and Distance.
patterns of behavior that determine Promoting a positive health and Language – jargon.
the commitment to, and proficiency safety culture: Lack of knowledge.
of an organisation’s health and Senior management commitment. Attitude.
Ownership of health and safety at all Duration – speed.
safety performance.
levels.
Health and safety notice boards.
Effective consultation.
Internal influences on health and Effective communication. Information should include:
safety management standards: Training for all levels of employees. Information for employees regulation
Production demands – Too many Shared perception of risks. poster.
resources directed to production and Standards of acceptable behavior. Health and safety policy.
not enough to health and safety. Learning from experience through Evacuation procedures.
Management commitment. monitoring and review. First aid arrangements.
Communication. Balance between health and safety and Contact details for safety
Competence. production. representatives.
Employee representation. Targets for accident reduction.
Why employees fail to comply with
External influences on health and Maximize effectiveness of health
safety procedures even when
safety and safety notice board:
competent:
Economic. Locate in a prominent area.
Lack of motivation.
Social expectations – society expects Dedicated to health and safety only.
Unrealistic working procedures.
certain safe behavior. Information displayed is relevant and
Lack of management commitment.
Legislation. current.
Over familiarisation with the task.
Enforcement. Information in a neat orderly state.
Repetitive work leading to boredom.
Insurance companies. Make boards eye‐catching through
Peer group pressure.
Trade unions. colour and graphics.
Willful disregard of laid down
procedures.
Indicators of a company’s health Fatigue and stress. Training should be given at the
and safety culture: Lack of information. following stages:
Accident rates. Job insecurity. On joining the organisation – (Induction
Absenteeism. training)
Sickness. Types of communication. Before starting work – (Job specific)
Staff turnover. Written Communication: At regular intervals – (Refresher training)
Complaints. Letters, memos, reports, notices, Whenever work practice changes e.g.
Compliance with legislation and internal procedures etc. new material, new technology, revision
policies. Advantages Disadvantages of systems of work.
Morale. Permanent record. May be unread. Before moving to a new job.
Reference. One way.
Consistent message. Often no feedback.
Benefits of a positive safety culture: Induction Training is important
Accurate detail. Time consuming.
Increased levels of compliance. Wide audience. Cost. because:
Improved production. Authoritative. Misinterpretation. Establishes a safety culture.
Improved staff morale. Shows management commitment.
Improved company reputation. Barriers to written communication. Identifies responsibilities.
Reduced accidents. Identifies hazards and precautions.
Illiteracy.
Reduced ill health. Employee made aware of hazards.
Competence.
Reduced damage to equipment. Imparts knowledge.
Level of written material.
Reduced staff complaints. Employees recognize and report hazards.
Presentation.
Reduced staff turnover. Sets the scene for future performance.
Quality of information.
Reduced insurance premiums.
Quantity.
Attitude. Induction training programme
Factors that can cause a health and Management commitment to safety.
safety culture to decline: Verbal Communication: Company safety policy.
Lack of communication. Instructions, interviews, meetings, Consultative procedures.
Perception of a growing blame culture. lectures. Role of safety representatives.
Lack of leadership and management Advantages Disadvantages Emergency procedures.
Direct. No record.
commitment. First aid arrangements.
Two way. No reference.
Lack of monitoring. Welfare and amenity provisions.
Quick. Unstructured.
Failure to implement remedial action. Instant feedback. Inconsistent message. Specific hazards.
Lack of consultation and employee Easy to do. Too much for memory. Health surveillance procedures.
involvement. Flexible. Limited audience. How to report accidents.
Poor working environment. PPE.
External influences – unions. Drugs and alcohol policy.
4 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Exposure to chemicals.
Job specific training programme Employer should keep training
Lead.
Safe system of work, permit to work.
Biological exposure.
records because:
Equipment training.
Ionizing radiation.
Proof of employees’ competence.
PPE training.
Extremes of temperature.
Identify when refresher training is
Fire training.
Ergonomic issues like prolonged
needed.
Safety inspections. standing.
Review effectiveness of training.
Stress.
Assess progress against targets.
PPE
Additional health and safety training Provide evidence in investigations.
Increase in accidents or incidents. Provide evidence in legal actions.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide
Result of an accident investigation.
whether the existing precautions
Dangerous occurrences. Competent persons are adequate.
New processes or technology.
A person shall be considered competent Use a likelihood x severity matrix 5 x 5.
Job change.
when he has sufficient knowledge, Likelihood:
Changes in working procedures.
ability, training and experience to 1. Very unlikely.
Changes in work patterns – night shift.
enable him to carry out the tasks 2. Unlikely.
Promotion or reorganization.
required of him and knowledge of his 3. Likely.
New legislation.
own limitations. 4. Very likely.
Enforcement action.
Factors to be considered: 5. Certain – imminent.
Results of inspections/audits.
Evidence of qualifications.
Results of risk assessments.
Level of training. Severity:
Insurance company requirements.
Membership of professional 1. Minor injury – no time off.
organisation. 2. Minor injury – 3 days off work.
Young person’s training. Undertaking of written or practical 3. Injury, non‐disabling illness,
Young workers at risk because: assessments. over 3 days off work.
Overenthusiastic. References or recommendations. 4. Major disabling injury.
No experience comparisons. 5. Fatality.
More likely to take risks.
What is a risk assessment 1 – 7 = low risk.
Open to influence and peer group
A risk assessment is a careful 8‐15 = medium risk.
pressure.
examination of what hazards are in the 16 – 25 = high risk.
Body not fully developed.
work place and what precautions
should be put in place to prevent 4. Record the significant findings.
Precautions for young workers harm. Significant hazards should be recorded.
should include: Information such as the number of
Provisions of suitable work equipment. Steps in the risk assessment process people affected, the adequacy of
Organisation of work processes. 1. Identify the hazards. existing control measures and any
Health and safety training. Workplace inspections. further precautions that may be
Mentoring. Talking to the workforce. necessary.
Supervision. Non‐inspection techniques. – Break 5. Review the assessment and revise
Limited working hours. down the job into tasks and evaluate it if necessary.
each task to identify hazards. Reviews should be done:
Benefits of training. Examination of documents. – Changes in process.
Employee Employer Manufacturers data, material safety Changes in materials.
Less suffering. Less accidents. data, legislation, codes of practice. Changes in premises.
Quality of life. Less absenteeism. Changes in legislation.
Combined techniques. – Analysing the
Job satisfaction. Less claims and Changes in work patterns.
results of safety audits.
premiums.
Accident and ill‐health data. – After an incident or accident.
Achieve standard. Less legal issues.
Monitoring accident statistics and After prosecution.
Flexibility of staff. Improve morale.
Improve safety attitude. Greater productivity. investigation and ill‐health After enforcement action.
Improve efficiency. complaints to identify the causes After compensation claims.
and then determining the hazards After a policy review.
Consideration for training session from the results. After professional advice.
What employees need to know and what Near miss reports.
they do already know – gap analysis. Methods of identifying hazards
Types of training already received. 2. Decide who may be harmed and
Sources and forms of harm can be
Employees responsibilities. how.
identified via:
Activities carried out. What are the hazards.
Workplace inspection. (Proactive)
Risks associated with activities. How likely are they to occur.
Job task analysis. (Proactive)
Actions required by employees. Consequences.
Manufacturers information. (Proactive)
Different requirements for various staff. Number of employees exposed.
Risk assessment. (Proactive)
Numbers involved. Frequency and duration of the
Accident incident data. (Reactive)
Resources needed. exposure.
Competence of trainers. Effects of the exposure.
Communicating to employees and Competence.
getting their commitment. Existing controls.
Example: ‐ risk to pregnant women.
5 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Overenthusiastic.
Control measures for young persons: Safe system of work = A system of
Identifying hazards for different
Induction training.
states of operation doing the work in the safest way
Close supervision.
Complex activities should be broken Mentoring. practicable by performing a task
down into component parts. Clear lines of communication. analysis to identify the hazards likely
Installation. Restrictions on type of work. to be present and creating
Normal operation. Restriction of working hours.
Cleaning. procedures including the
Adjusting.
Lone working precautions necessary to avoid or
Breakdown maintenance. minimize the health and safety risks.
Employer has a duty of care to persons
Dismantling.
working alone without close or direct
supervision: When is a safe system needed
Types of hazards to look for. Single persons working on the A safe system of work is needed when
Mechanical hazards. premises. the hazards cannot be physically
Electrical hazards. Persons working separately from the eliminated.
Thermal hazards. others. Cleaning and maintenance
Noise and vibration hazards. Persons working outside normal operations.
Radiation hazards. working hours. Changes to work layouts, materials
Toxic materials. Mobile workers working away from etc.
Ergonomic design hazards. their normal base. Employees working away from
base/alone.
Competence of risk assessors. Lone working risk assessment Breakdown emergencies.
A combination of knowledge, ability, Should take into account the following: Contractors on your premises.
training and experience (KATE)and Does the workplace present any special Loading, unloading and movement
personal qualities. risks. of vehicles.
Knowledge of own limitations. Is there safe access and egress.
A thorough understanding of the Does the task present any special risks. 5 Steps of the safe system of work
processes and procedures involved. Is there a risk of violence. 1. Assess the task.
Good communication skills. Are women especially at risk. Materials.
Are young workers especially at risk. Equipment.
Suitable and sufficient assessment Does the worker have any special Environment.
The risk assessment will be suitable and medical conditions. People involved.
sufficient if: Is the lone working likely to impose any Purpose of the task.
The detail in the risk assessment is additional physical or mental burdens Work methods.
proportionate to the level of risk. on the worker. Legal requirements.
All aspects of the work activity must be Standards.
reviewed taking into account the way Lone worker controls Existing controls.
the work is organized: Training. 2. Identify the hazards.
All of the significant hazards and risks Supervision. Working at height.
must be identified. Monitoring. Working below ground.
The risks have been evaluated. Periodic visits. Machinery.
Employees and others at risk must be Regular contact using telephone or Electricity.
identified. radios. Vehicles.
Suitable control measures must be Automatic or manual warning devices. Chemical hazards.
identified. Environment.
The control measures must be 3. Define safe method.
Hierarchy of control measures
appropriate to the nature of the work. 4. Implement the safe system.
ERICPD
The residual risk must be low. 5. Monitor the safe system.
Eliminate – can the hazard be removed
Priorities have been set.
completely. E.g. Remove the trailing
Takes account of non‐routine operations.
cable. Designing a safe system by
Staff undertaking the risk assessment are
Reduce – Can the risk be reduced at the considering MEEP
competent.
source or is there a safer alternative? Materials. – Raw, unfinished, disposal
Risk assessment is valid for a reasonable
e.g. reduce the risk of injury by using Equipment and machinery. – Design
amount of time.
low voltage tools. specification, ergonomics.
Isolate – Can the hazard be enclosed or Environment. – light heat noise, space
contained. e.g. Guard on a dangerous People. – Behavior, knowledge, skills.
part of a machine.
Young persons Control – Limiting the time or frequency
Young persons at greater risk because: 3 forms of workplace controls
of the exposure.
Lack of knowledge, ability, training 1. Technical.
PPE – Can something be provided to
and experience (KATE). Equipment – design e.g. guarding.
reduce the injury in case of accident.
Body not fully developed. Access egress – wide aisles.
E.g. Issuing safety helmets or boots.
More likely to take risks. Materials – choice of packaging to
Discipline – Ensuring that the procedures
More likely to respond to peer make handling easier.
and rules are being followed and
pressure. taking action if not.
6 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Environment – Local exhaust Replacement. Identify use and effectiveness of control
ventilation. Training needs. measures.
2. Procedural. Hygiene problems. Make decisions on suitable remedial
Policy and standards. Supervision. measures.
Procedures and rules. Storage. Set priorities and establish realistic
Permit to work. timescales.
Purchasing control – buy good Training in the use of PPE Assess compliance with legal
quality. Legal and organizational requirements. requirements.
Emergency preparedness. Consequences of not wearing it. Provide information to board,
3. Behavioral. Protection offered. committees etc.
Supervision. Limitations of the PPE.
Health surveillance. Compatibility with other types of PPE. Types of monitoring
Competence. – KATE Correct usage. Reactive monitoring.
Motivation. How to keep it clean. Examining accident figures.
Communication. Correct storage arrangements. Claims records.
Perception. When and how to replace. Other reactive monitoring methods
such as number of defects reported
Permit to work = A permit to work is following safety inspection,
Main purposes of First aid
a formal written system used to enforcement action against
Preserve life.
company, prosecutions, legal
control certain types of potentially Prevent deterioration.
mandates or court orders.
hazardous work. Promote recovery.
Work requiring permits:
Proactive monitoring.
Confined spaces. Assessment of first aid needs Safety audit – A systematic, critical
Hot work and cold work. checklist assessment of each aspect of the
Electrical. health and safety management
Size of the organisation.
system and procedures.
Nature and distribution of the workforce.
Design of permit to work system Nature of the work. Lengthy process carried out by a
1. Job location/plant identification. Types of hazards and risks. trained auditor, either internal or
2. Description of work. Past accident injury types. external.
3. Time limits. Remoteness of emergency services. The aim is to identify the strengths
4. Description of hazards. Travelling, remote and lone workers. and weaknesses of the health and
5. Tests and checks prior to work Need to train personnel in special safety management system
commencing. procedures. A structured way of assessing the
6. Further precautions. Need to cover absence of first aiders. health and safety performance
7. Authorization. that makes use of a scoring system
8. Acceptance. so that improvements can be
Workplace emergencies
9. Time extensions/Shift change measured.
Arrangements to be considered when
procedures. Safety inspections – The straight
developing an Emergency Response
10. Hand back. forward observation of a
Plan:
11. Cancellation. workplace, activities and
Type of emergency – fire, hazardous
All signatures must be legible. equipment.
chemical spillage, bomb, flood,
Usually carried out by the manager,
earthquake, tsunami.
Reasons why employees may not to employee representative and
Emergency services contact and
safety advisor.
wear PPE and response times.
Often aided by the use of a checklist.
Reasons PPE should be a last resort. Appoint persons to deal with
The aim is to identify hazards and
emergency.
Poor selection or fit. assess the use and effectiveness of
Communication systems.
Lack of comfort. the control measures.
First aid and medical facilities.
Incompatibility with other PPE. May be carried out routinely
Evacuation procedures.
Fails to danger. Safety surveys – focusing on particular
Effects on surrounding community.
Contamination. activities and may be carried out by
Post emergency action e.g. media,
Misuse or non‐use. a specialist.
repair, investigation.
Relies on action being taken by the user. Safety tours – unscheduled, less
Emergency procedure should be
May create additional hazards. formal workplace inspections are
practiced so that weaknesses in the
Difficulty in obtaining equipment. carried out to check on issues such
system are highlighted and corrected.
Relies on management commitment. as housekeeping or the use of PPE.
Safety sampling – Targeting specific
areas.
Benchmarking – Where an
Selection of PPE Reasons for monitoring organisations performance in certain
Identify the hazard. Identify sub‐standard health and safety areas is compared with those of
Choose type of equipment. practices. similar organisation.
Compliance with standards. Identify trends and patterns. Health surveillance ‐ Providing
Comfort. Compare actual performance against periodic health checks before
Compatibility. targets. symptoms appear
Costs. Useful in benchmarking.
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NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
Performance review – Did the Selecting the audit team. Immediate and longer term action
organisation: Contact with the organisation being
after an accident
Achieve its health and safety audited.
First aid for injured party.
objectives. Undertaking the audit.
Calling for medical assistance if
Implement effective control Draw conclusions.
necessary.
measures. Report and presentation.
Isolation of the accident scene.
Ensure the effectiveness of Action by the organisation.
Report to relevant enforcing authority if
training, communication and
necessary.
consulting programmes. Internal audits Identify witnesses.
Learn from management system Advantages: Set up investigating team.
failures. Easier to arrange. Full investigation to determine root
Meet legal standards. Lower cost to the organisation. cause. Make recommendations.
Reduce the risk of accidents and Employees may not feel so threatened. Implement corrective action.
ill‐health. Disadvantages:
Could be influenced by internal
Preparation before investigation
Limitations of safety inspection relationships.
Who should be involved and the depth of
It is only a snapshot in time. Conclusions may not be taken seriously.
the investigation.
Some hazards may not be visible. The auditor may make assumptions.
Accident scene preserved.
Some hazards may not be present at the
Gather relevant existing documents.
time of the inspection. External audits Identifying the witnesses.
Unsafe practices may not occur during Disadvantages: Have legal requirements been met.
the inspection. Require more time to arrange. Any equipment needed. Method to be
Higher cost to the organisation. adopted.
Safety inspection checklist Employees may feel threatened. Style of report and recipients.
Housekeeping. Advantages:
Electrical safety. Auditor will be completely independent
Investigation team
Provision and use of PPE. and unbiased.
Line manager – has knowledge of the
Use and storage of hazardous The auditor will ask questions and will
processes involved.
substances. not make assumptions.
Supervisor – has knowledge of the
Manual handling. More weight may be given to their
process.
Traffic routes. conclusions.
Safety representative – has legal right.
Machinery.
Safety practitioner – to advise on health
Internal transport. Initial actions to be taken following and safety implications.
Emergency equipment.
a major injury accident at work Engineer – to advise on technical
Welfare facilities.
Make sure the area is safe to enter matters.
Systems of work.
before entering as there could be Senior manager – from a different
Working environment.
hazards surrounding the accident department to be unbiased.
scene.
Strengths of using a checklist to
Call the first aiders to attend to the Undertaking accident investigation
complete Health and safety injured person. 1. Gather the information – Where,
inspections Call for an ambulance if needed. When, Who, What, Why.
Enables prior preparation and planning. Secure the area by barricading to prevent MEEP – Materials, Equipment,
More structured and systematic. unwanted people from entering. Environment, People.
Prevents issues from being overlooked. Preserve the evidence. Nature of work.
Ensure a consistent approach. Identify witnesses. Specialist examinations.
Immediate record available. Collect evidence like taking photographs Medical reports.
Easy method for comparison and audit. or take sketches of the accident scene. Interviews and witness
Notify the authorities as per legal statements.
Weakness of using a checklist to requirements. Documents:
Risk assessments.
complete Health and safety
Aims of accident investigation Safe systems of work.
inspections Incident/accident history.
Determine the cause of an accident.
Inflexible approach. Training records.
Identify weaknesses in the management
Not reviewed or updated to account for Maintenance records.
system.
changes. Equipment instructions.
Identify weaknesses in the risk
Inspections become routine and no Monitoring records – dust,
assessment.
follow‐up questions asked. noise.
Demonstrate management commitment.
No scope for secondary issues to be Supervision quotas.
Comply with legal requirements.
considered. Inspection reports.
Collect data to establish trends which
Incompetent person conducting the Pre‐start equipment checks.
can be used to prevent future business
inspection.
losses.
Inspection procedure leading to human 2. Analyse the information – What
Provide information for Civil/Criminal
error or abuse. happened and why.
actions.
Analysis should determine:
Provide information to insurance
Pre‐audit preparation procedure company. Immediate/direct causes.
Setting audit objectives. Root/underlying causes.
8 | P a g e
NEBOSH International General Certificate – Module 1 Summary
3. Identify the risk control measures
– possible solutions to be
identified.
The analysis may have identified
that no control measures in place.
Control measures in place but not
used.
Combinations of both.
Measures should be evaluated for:
The effectiveness of the control
measures.
Are the control measures
practical.
Will the control measures be
used.
Will the control measures
remain effective.
4. Take action – should have SMART
objectives.
Involves senior management.
Highest priority risk control
measures implemented first.
Prioritize the order of control
measures to be implemented.
A senior manager nominated to be
in charge of the implementation.
Reasons for reporting accidents
Implement initial controls.
Monitoring health and safety
performance.
Starting point for investigation.
To comply with legal requirements.
To prevent reoccurrences and further
injuries/losses.
To provide information for any
subsequent claim.
Review of risk assessments.
Accident data can:
Show trends and patterns.
Identify weaknesses in procedures and
policies.
Prioritize safety measures.
Identify areas that require improvement.
Set targets for reduction.
Employees can be discouraged from
reporting accidents because:
Ignorance of procedures.
Peer pressure.
Retribution by management.
Preservation of the department’s safety
record.
Over‐complicated response to reports.
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