4.1 Active and Reactive Monitoring

Question 1

Measurements can be either quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative measurements are numerical and objective e.g.

Answer 1

the accident injury incidence rate (AIIR).

Question 2

Measurements can be either quantitative or qualitative. Qualitative measurements are subjective and judgemental e.g.

Answer 2

the standards of housekeeping have improved.

Question 3

Monitoring involves

Answer 3

collecting information, such as measurements or observations, over time, which when collated provides management information on performance trends and fluctuations.

Question 4

Auditing is

Answer 4

the structured process of collecting independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing up plans for corrective action.

Question 5

Reviewing is

Answer 5

the process of making judgements about the adequacy of performance and taking decisions about the nature and timing of the actions necessary to remedy deficiencies.

Question 6

The management system requires both active (proactive) and reactive monitoring systems:  Active Systems monitor…

Answer 6

the effectiveness of workplace precautions, RCS’s and management arrangements, and provide leading indicators of performance

Question 7

The management system requires both active (proactive) and reactive monitoring systems:  Reactive Systems monitor…

Answer 7

accidents, ill health, incidents and other evidence of deficient health and safety performance. (i.e. lagging indicators)

Question 8

Why monitor and review?

Answer 8

 identifying substandard health and safety practices and conditions;  identifying trends of types of accident, injury or illness;  comparing actual performance with previously set targets;  “benchmarking” performance against similar organisations or an industry norm;  evaluating the effectiveness of existing control measures and making decisions on addressing any deficiencies identified;  identifying new or changed risks;  assessing compliance with legal requirements;  providing the Board of Directors and / or safety committee with relevant information;  boosting morale and motivate the workforce through positive reinforcement on progress; and  maintaining external accreditations of OHSAS 18001.

Question 9

Active monitoring gives information on:

Answer 9

 Progress against specific plans and objectives;  The effectiveness of the health and safety management system; and  The degree of compliance with performance standards.

Question 10

The various forms and levels of active monitoring include:

Answer 10

AuditsInspectionsJob observationsHealth/medical surveillanceEnvironmental monitoringBenchmarking

Question 11

Reactive systems, by definition, are triggered after an event and include identifying and reporting:

Answer 11

 injuries and cases of ill health (including monitoring of sickness absence records);  other losses, such as damage to property;  incidents, including near misses with the potential to cause injury, ill health or loss;  complaints by the workforce regarding health, safety and welfare issues;  enforcement actions, such as prosecutions, enforcement notices or informal letters;  civil claims for compensation; and  the costs arising out of all of the above.