Benefits of Effective H&S Leadership Flashcards
What are the core elements to effectively manage Health & Safety?
Leadership and Managed
A Trained & Skilled Workforce
An environment where people are trusted and involved
An understanding of the risk profile of the organisation
What is involved in effective leadership?
Maintaining attention on the significant risks and implementation of adequate controls
Demonstrating commitment by actions and awareness of the key H&S issues
Consulting with the workforce on H&S
Challenging unsafe behavior in a timely way
Setting H&S priorities
Understanding the need to maintain oversight of the risks and controls
Showing acceptance and compliance with the organisations standards & procedures
Striving to engage employees in the H&S programme
How can Leaders influence a positive H&S Culture?
Understanding the effect of different levels of management on the organisational culture
Making sure that all managers are committed to promoting H&S
Recognizing that the attitudes and decisions of senior managers are critical to the culture of the organisation and in setting priorities
Encouraging a leadership role in managers so that they are not simply restricted to directing work and monitoring compliance with rules and regulations, but act as facilitators and engage with the workforce to solve H&S problems
Recognizing the important part that employees play in shaping the safety culture of the organisation and engaging with them to encourage joint involvement in the H&S programme
Making sure that H&S is not viewed as a separate function but as an integral part of the business, and that H&S risks are recognized as part of key business risks
What are the tangible benefits of a positive H&S culture?
Reduced costs
Reduced risks
Lower employee absence & turnover
Fewer accidents
Lessened threat of legal action
Improved standing among suppliers
Better reputation for corporate responsibility among investors & customers
Increased productivity, because employees are healthier, happier and better motivated
What should be ensured by leaders in the process of effective Health & Safety Leadership?
Instruction, information and training are provided to enable employees to work in a safe and healthy manner
Safety reps carry out their full range of functions
The workforce is consulted in good time on issues relating to their H&S
Employees are clear who to go to if they have H&S concerns
Line managers regularly discuss how to use new equipment or how to do a job safely
H&S information is cascaded through the organisation through team meetings, notice boards and other communication channels
What are the main functions of the H&S Practitioner?
Formulate and develop H&S policies and plans
Profiling and assessing risks and organizing activities to implement the plans
Measuring performance
Reviewing performance and taking action on lessons learnt
How can Leaders demonstrate their commitment to H&S and lead by example?
Showing that H&S is important
Promoting H&S whenever possible
Discussing H&S early in the agenda of every management meeting
Ensuring that H&S is a significant element of performance reviews
Setting longer-term H&S goals to show commitment to continuous improvement
Holding line management and staff accountable for H&S
Making sure that managers know there are adequate resources to work in a healthy and safe manner
Meeting with the workforce regularly
Ensuring that all incidents and near-misses are investigated fully to identify the underlying causes and establish effective remedial action
