A7.1 Explain how to use internal and external information sources in identifying hazards and the assessing of risk

Question 1

INFO AVAILABLE WHEN CARRYING OUT A RISK ASSESSMENT

What are some sources of external information relating to H&S?

What are some sources of internal information relating to H&S within the organization?

Answer 1

EXTERNAL

-HSE
the major source of accident statistics and other information is the HSE.

• They have the annual report.
• HSE inspectors also are a great source of info
• Death certificates will often record information relating to cause of death
• the labour force survey is another source of information which is often quoted in the HSE report. These answers come from respondents feelings between their own ill health and their working situation.

INTERNAL

• accident reports (important info is adequate for risk assessments). Distinction between ‘cause of injury’ and ‘cause of accident’
• absence records
• maintenance records will usually show damage incidents

Question 2

What are the uses and limitations of information sources?

Answer 2

Internal info is obviously relevant to RA. However, the absence of accident is not a good indication that all is well.

Care also must be taken with external sources. They are statistically more relevant as the sample size is larger. However type of industry is important. Different sources use different multipliers when working out accident frequency rates, so care should be taken when making comparisons.

When comparing LTI/LTA incidence rates:

• two organisations may have different definitions of a lost time injury/accident eg. 1 day vs 3-7 days
• no indication of injury severity
• does the data make use of contractors? do they take into account overtime or part-time staff?
• cultural differences eg. one company may have a culture where they take time off even after a minor injury. Alternatively, one might have a back to work culture.
• there may be different risk levels between organizations due to nature of work, premises, equipment