Element 3: Managing Risk – Understanding People and Processes

Question 1

What is the difference between “Consulting” & “Informing”?

Answer 1

Consulting - A two-way exchange. The employer LISTENS to the concerns/opinions of his workers and changes his plans as necessary.
Informing - A one-way flow of information. The employer does not have to take notice of any feedback.

Question 2

What are the JOB FACTORS that effect a Workers Behaviour?

Answer 2

The task being done and how well or badly it has been designed.

Workload such as number of tasks and deadlines.

The environment in which work takes place and how comfortable or uncomfortable this is.

The design and functionality of displays and controls that a worker has to use in order to do the job.

The suitability of any procedures that the worker has been provided with.

Question 3

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, what does an employer have a duty to do?

Answer 3

Provide appropriate First Aid provision for his employees.

Question 4

What INDICATORS are used to assess Safety Culture?

Answer 4

Accidents
Sickness Rates
Absenteeism
Staff Turnover
Compliance with Safety rules
Complaints about Working Conditions
The Behaviour of Peer Groups

Question 5

What are the 4 key areas for action that Directors & Senior Managers should take?

Answer 5

PLAN
DELIVER
MONITOR
REVIEW

Question 6

What is the definition of Safety Culture?

Answer 6

Safety Culture can be defined as the shared attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviours relating to Health & Safety.

Question 7

What are the factors that influence a workers behaviour?

Answer 7

The Individual.
The Job.
The Organisation.

Question 8

What do Directors and Senior Managers give to their organisation?

Answer 8

They Give it’s Direction.

They Set it’s Priorities.

Question 9

What can Peer Groups influence?

Answer 9

SAFETY CULTURE
The behaviour of peer groups and the influence that peer group pressure has been allowed to exert on worker behaviour is often a good indicator of Safety Culture.

Question 10

Give some “Broadcasting Methods”, of conveying the Verbal, Written & Graphic forms of communication?

Answer 10

Notice Boards.
Posters & Videos.
Tool Box Talks.
Memos & Emails.
Employee Handbooks.

Question 11

Give examples of Health & Safety issues that would be appropriate for an employer to consult with his employees?

Answer 11

Introduction of measures affecting the Health & Safety of the workers.
The appointment of Safety Advisors and specialists.
Health & Safety training plans.
The introduction of new technology into the workplace, that will affect Health & Safety.

Question 12

How can Management demonstrate VISIBLE commitment to Health & Safety culture?

Answer 12

Behaving safely .
Involvement in the day to day management of Health & Safety, e.g. by attending Safety meetings.
Taking part in Safety tours or audits.
Promoting changes to improve Health & Safety.
Enforcing the company Safety rules.

Question 13

How is “Effective Communication” defined?

Answer 13

The process of delivering information from a sender to a recipient. To be truly effective, the correct information has to be TRANSMITTED, RECEIVED & UNDERSTOOD.

Question 14

What are the 3 principal delivery methods for communicating?

Answer 14

Verbal.
Written.
Graphic.

Question 15

Outline the factors to consider when deciding First Aid provision?

Answer 15

The general risk level of the workplace.
The hazards present in the workplace.
Accident history.
The presence of vulnerable persons.
The number of workers in the workplace.
Work patterns and shift systems of workers.
The geographic location of the workplace.
The spread of the workplace.

Question 16

What are the 2 types of Safety Culture?

Answer 16

Positive

Negative

Question 17

What are the methods of Verbal communication?

Answer 17

Face to face conversations.
Meetings.
Interviews.
Training sessions.
Telephone.
PA (Public Announcement) System.

Question 18

What are the limitations of verbal communication?

Answer 18

Language barriers may exist.
"Jargon" may not be understood.
Strong accent or dialect may interfere.
Background noise may interfere.
Recipient may have poor hearing.
Message may be ambiguous.
Recipient may miss information.
Recipient may forget information.
No written record as proof.
Poor transmission quality if by telephone or PA system.

Question 19

Give examples of Written Communication?

Answer 19

Reports.
Emails.
Memos.
Notices.
Company Handbook.
Policy document.
Operating instructions.
Risk Assessments.
Minutes of meetings.

Question 20

What are the advantages of Written communication?

Answer 20

Permanent record.
Can be referred back to.
Can be written very carefully to avoid use of “Jargon”, abbreviations and ambiguity.
Can be distributed to a very wide audience relatively cheaply.

Question 21

What are the Organisational Factors that effect a workers behaviour?

Answer 21

The SAFETY CULTURE of the Organisation.
The POLICIES & PROCEDURES of the Organisation.
The COMMITMENT & LEADERSHIP from Management.
The LEVELS OF SUPERVISION within the Organisation.
How PEER GROUP PRESSURE effects the Organisation.
CONSULTATION & Worker involvement within the Organisation.
COMMUNICATION within the Organisation.
TRAINING that takes place within the Organisation.
WORK PATTERNS at the Organisation.

Question 22

Give examples of Graphic Communication?

Answer 22

Safety signs.
Hazard warning symbols.
Photographs.

Question 23

Explain the 3 elements of First Aid provision?

Answer 23

FACILITIES - An appropriate location where First-Aid treatment can be given.
EQUIPMENT - Suitably stocked First-Aid kits and other equipment as necessary.
PERSONNEL - Staff with appropriate training to deliver First-Aid treatment.

Question 24

List the rights & entitlements of Safety Representatives?

Answer 24

Carry out an inspection of the workplace (at once every 3 months).
Examine the cause of accidents.
Examine and copy records and documents relating to Health & Safety.
Receive information from HSE inspectors.
Investigate complaints about Health & Safety.
Make representations to the employer.
Be consulted on Health & Safety matters.
Time off with pay to perform their functions.
Time off with pay for appropriate training.
Reasonable facilities to perform their functions.

Question 25

Identify 2 types of person who might deal with First Aid within an organisation?

Answer 25

First Aiders.

Appointed Persons.

Question 26

What are the advantages go Graphic communication?

Answer 26

Eye catching.
Visual.
Quick to interpret.
No language barrier.
Jargon free.
Conveys a message to a wide audience.

Question 27

With regard to “Trade Union Safety Representatives”, what does the “Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977”, state?

Answer 27

That an Independent Trade Union has the right to appoint Safety Representatives.
They will ideally have two years relevant experience.
Only when the employer has been notified in writing of the appointment, do they then have to consult with them.
Appointment ceases when notified or employment ceases.

Question 28

How can Directors & Senior Managers demonstrate their commitment to Health & Safety through their strategic thinking?

Answer 28

Ensuring the availability of resources.
Defining roles and responsibilities.
Appointing a member of top management with specific responsibility for Health & Safety, so that it is “championed” at board level.
Appointing one or more Competent Persons and adequate resources to provide assistance in meeting the organisations Health & Safety obligations.
Reviewing performance at board level, perhaps annually.

Question 29

It is a legal duty for employers to consult with their employees on Health & Safety matters. What are the two sets of regulations that define this legal duty?

Answer 29

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 - these cover unionised workplaces.
The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 - these cover non unionised workplaces.

Question 30

What are the advantages of Verbal communication?

Answer 30

Personal.
Quick.
Direct.
Allows for checking of understanding.
Allows for feedback to be given.
Allows for exchange of views.
Usually allows for additional info to be transmitted by means of tone of voice, facial expression and body language.

Question 31

What are the limitations/disadvantages of Written communication?

Answer 31

Indirect.
Takes time to write.
May contain "jargon" and abbreviations.
Can be impersonal.
Message may be ambiguous.
Message may not be read by recipient.
Language barrier may exist.
Recipient may not be able to read.
Immediate feedback is not available.
Questions cannot be asked.
Recipient may have impaired vision.

Question 32

Under the Safety Regulations and Safety Committee Regulations 1977, what is an employer obliged to establish?

Answer 32

A Safety Committee, WHEN REQUESTED to do so by TWO OR MORE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES in WRITING. The employer must comply within 3 months.

Question 33

When a Committee is set up, what issues should be taken into account with regard to its arrangements?

Answer 33

• There has to be a BALANCE between Managers (appropriate Managers) & Workers.
• The Committee should MEET REGULARLY/FREQUENTLY enough (e.g. once a month).
• All meetings need SOMEONE TO TAKE CHARGE, make the meeting relevant and give everyone an opportunity to speak.
• the Committee must be able to MAKE DECISIONS. Usually the committee will involve 1 or more Senior managers who have executive authority.
• It should have an AGENDA that has been agreed prior to the meeting.
• MINUTES of the meeting are usually taken and then posted on notice boards for workers to see.
• All agreed actions must be RECORDED together with the NAME OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTION.

Question 34

What topics/issues should a Safety Committee discuss/analyse?

Answer 34

Accident statistics and disease statistics.
Safety audit reports.
Reports and information from HSE.
Reports submitted by Safety representatives.
Assisting in the development of procedures and policy.
Monitoring the effectiveness of training.
Monitoring the effectiveness of Safety communications.

Question 35

Give a definition of “Training” in the context of a Health & Safety?

Answer 35

The planned, formal process of acquiring and practising knowledge and skills in a relatively safe environment.

Question 36

Identify circumstances that require the provision of training?

Answer 36

NEW EMPLOYEES - Induction, key knowledge about Organisation.
JOB CHANGE - Promotion or a new task.
PROCESS CHANGE - When the way in which we work is changed (e.g. A different product is made on an existing bit of machinery).
NEW TECHNOLOGY - Speaks for itself.
NEW LEGISLATION - Changes to the law, etc.

Question 37

Outline the typical content of Induction Training?

Answer 37

The organisations Health & Safety policy.
Fire and other emergency procedures.
First aid facilities and personnel.
The location of welfare facilities.
Safe movement around the workplace.
Accident and incident reporting procedures.
Worker consultation arrangements.
General safety rules such as no smoking areas.
Personal protective equipment requirements.
Introduction to the safe systems of work and permit systems.
Introduction to the risk assessment system.

Question 38

Why should an employer develop emergency procedures?

Answer 38

So that they can be brought into effect WITHOUT DELAY, otherwise there may be a poor or inappropriate response that makes things worse rather than better.

Question 39

Identify some foreseeable incidents?

Answer 39

Fire.
Bomb threat.
Spillage of a hazardous chemical.
Release of a toxic gas.
Outbreak of disease.
Severe weather or flooding.
Multiple casualty accident.

Question 40

Outline what should be included in the Arrangements, in order to deal with a foreseeable incident?

Answer 40

Procedures to be followed.
Provision of suitable equipment.
Nomination of responsible staff.
Provision of training and information.
Drills and exercises.

Question 41

Explain the basic principle of a First Aid?

Answer 41

To keep the injured casualty alive until professional medical assistance can take over. Sometimes referred to as the 3 P’s:
PRESERVE life
PREVENT deterioration
PROMOTE recovery

Question 42

In larger workplaces, a dedicated treatment room should be provided. Identify the key characteristics of the room?

Answer 42

Centrally located.
Accessible to emergency services.
Clean.
Heated.
Ventilated.
Well lit.
Encompass a Chair, Handwash facilities, a clinical waste bin, etc.

Question 43

What factors can distort a persons perception of Hazard & Risk?

Answer 43

Illness
Stress
Fatigue
Drugs & Alcohol
Previous Experiences
Training & Education

Question 44

What are the INDIVIDUAL FACTORS that influence a Workers behaviour?

Answer 44

ATTITUDE
COMPETENCE
MOTIVATION
RISK PERCEPTION

Question 45

What key things will the Worker understand once he has been trained?

Answer 45

The Hazards and Risks inherent in their work.
The correct rules and precautions to apply.
Foreseeable emergencies and the actions to take should these events occur.
Limitations and restrictions that apply to their work.

Question 46

As a minimum, one fully stocked a First Aid kit might be provided for a small low risk workplace. In larger workplaces multiple First Aid kits should be positioned at various locations.
Identify what else should/could be positioned at those locations?

Answer 46

Eye wash stations.
Emergency showers.
Blankets.
Splints.
Resuscitation equipment.
Stretchers.
Wheelchairs.
Other equipment as required.

Question 47

What are the limitations/disadvantages of Graphic communication?

Answer 47

Can only convey simple messages.
Expensive to buy or produce.
May not be looked at.
Symbols or pictograms may be unknown to the recipient.
No immediate feedback available.
Questions cannot be asked.
Recipient may have impaired vision.

Question 48

How can workers be involved on the improvement of workplace health and safety?

Answer 48

Encouraging their participation in safety committees and other safety meetings.
Asking for their suggestions for improvements (perhaps using a suggestions box or similar scheme).
Involving them in the selection of PPE and other equipment.
Providing them with hazard-spotting and defect reporting systems.
Encouraging their participation in safety tours and inspections, audits, risk assessments, accident investigations and the development of procedures and safe systems of work.
Assisting in the presentation of safety training, and the supervision/mentoring of new employees, particularly young persons.
Designing or involvement in the selection of safety posters.

Question 49

What must be the first priority in induction training?

Answer 49

The first priority in induction training should be to set out what to do in the event of a fire or other major incident, and the general instructions and procedures to be followed for safe movement around the workplace. These are the priorities. The induction training can then move on to other topics.

Question 50

Why is the distinction between hazards and risk so important in the workplace?

Answer 50

The distinction is important because hazards will always exist in the workplace and usually it is not possible to eliminate all of them. Risk can be controlled and reduced. This is a central principle of health and safety management.

Question 51

What is residual risk?

Answer 51

Residual risk is the level of risk remaining after the application of safety precautions.

Question 52

Identify five management controls that should be considered for the control of risks created by temporary works

Answer 52

Risk assessment.
Communication and co-operation.
Appointment of competent persons.
Segregation.
Emergency arrangements.
Welfare provision.

Question 53

Define “Safe System of Work”

Answer 53

A safe system of work is a formal procedure which results from a systematic examination of the tasks of a work process in order to identify all the hazards and define methods of working which eliminate those hazards or minimise the risks associated with them.

Question 54

How does involving workers in the development of SSW contribute to the strengthening of the safety culture?

Answer 54

Involvement enables workers to gain a deeper understanding of hazards and risks, and of the way in which safe systems of work will minimise those risks. It also encourages ownership of the procedures by the workers involved in their development. This promotes worker engagement which is a fundamental building block of a positive health and safety culture.

Question 55

What is the difference between technical, procedural and behavioural controls?

Answer 55

Technical controls are those which are applied directly to the hazard itself in order to minimise the risk (e.g. a machine guard). Procedural controls define the way in which work should be carried out in relation to the hazard (e.g. an operating instruction). Behavioural controls define how the individual operator or groups of workers must act in relation to the hazard (e.g. the use of an item of PPE).

Question 56

Why do instruction, training and supervision form part of the safe systems?

Answer 56

Instruction, training and supervision form a part of safe systems because only people who have been given appropriate training and instruction will understand the SSW and consequently should be allowed to undertake the work. Supervision is necessary to ensure that staff follow their instructions and training and correctly apply the SSW.