Health And Safety Management Systems - Policy

Question 1

Key elements of h&s management systems (HG65)

Answer 1

1. policy
2. Organising
3. Planning and Implementing
4. Measuring performance
5. Reviewing performance
6. Auditing

Question 2

HSG 65

Describe Policy

Answer 2

A clear h&s policy contributes to business effiecnecy and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

The policy should state:

1. the intention of the organisation in terms of 1.1 clear aims,
   1 2 objectives,
   1 3 targets and
   1.4 senior management involvement

Question 3

HSG65

Describe organising

Answer 3

A well defined h&s organisation should identify h&s responsibilities at all levels of the organisation. An effective organisation will be noted for good communication, the promotion of competency, the commitment of all employees and a responsive reporting system

Question 4

HSG 65

Describe planning and Implementing

Answer 4

A clear h&s plan based on risk assessments and sets and hits performance standards, targets, and procedures through h&s management systems. The plan should set priorities and objectives for control or elimination of hazards and the reduction of risks

Question 5

HSG65

Describe measuring performance

Answer 5

This includes both active (proactive) and reactive monitoring of the h&s management system. It is also important to measure the organisation against its own long term goals and objectives

Question 6

HSG65

Describe ‘reviewing performance ‘

Answer 6

The results of monitoring and indeoednant audits should indicate whether the objectives and targets set in the h&s policy need to be changed.

Changes in the h&s environment in the organisation, such as accident, should also trigger a performance review

Performance reviews should also include comparisons with internal performance indicators and the external performance indicators of simular organisations with exemplary practices and high standards

Question 7

HSG65

Describe auditing

Answer 7

An independent and structured audit of all parts of the health and safety management system reinforces the review process… If the audit is to be really effective, it must assess both the compliance with stated procedures and the performance in the workplace. It will identify weaknesses in the h&s policy and procedures and identify unrealistic or inadequate standards and targets

Question 8

The purpose of setting a health and safety policy is to ensure:

Answer 8

1. everybody associated with the organisation is aware of its health and safety aims and objectives and how they are to be achieved
2. The performance of the organisation is enhanced in areas other than health and safety
3. there is an effective personal development of the workforce
4. Business efficiency is improved through the operation
5. Involvement of senior management in health and safety issues is evident to all stakeholders

Question 9

The law requires that the written health and safety policy should include the following three sections

Answer 9

1. A h&s policy statement of intent.

This includes the health and safety aims and objectives of the organisation

2. A h&s organisation detailing the people with specific health and safety responsibilities and their duties
3. The health and safety arrangements in place in terms of systems and procedures

Question 10

Section 2 of the HSW (health and safety at work act 1974) and the Employers health and Safety policy statements (exception) regulations 1975

Require what?

Answer 10

Employers with five or more employees to prepare and review on a regular basis a written health and safety policy, together with the necessary organisation and arrangements to carry out and to bring the policy and any revision of it to the notice of their employees

Question 11

Sections of policy statement of intent

Answer 11

1. Aims and objectives
2. Duties of employer and employees
3. Performance targets and benchmarks
4. Name of person responsible for health and safety
5. Posted and dated

Question 12

Sections of Organisation (health and safety policy)

Answer 12

1. Safety Manual
2. Organisational chart.
3. Responsibilities
4. Allocation of resources including finances
5. Safety monitoring system
6. identification of main hazards

Question 13

Section of arrangements (health and policy policy)

Answer 13

1. Planning and organising
2. Accident reporting.
3. Emergencies
4. Contractors and visitors
5. Consultation and communication with employees
6. Fire precautions
7. Main risk assessments and hazard control
8. Performance monitoring

Question 14

Reasons for a review of the health and safety policy

Answer 14

1. Significant organisational and/or technological changes have taken place
2. There have been changes in personnel and/or legalisation
3. Health and safety performance has fallen below the occupational groups benchmark
4. The monitoring of risk assessment and/or accident/incident investgaitons indicates that the health and safety policy is no longer totally effective
5. Enforcement action has been taken by the HSE or Local authority
6. A suffiencent period of time has elapsed since the previous review

Question 15

The effects of a positive health and safety performance

Answer 15

1. Support the overall development of personnel
2. Improve communication and consultation throughout the organisation.
3. Minimise financial losses due to accidents and I’ll health and other incidents.
4. Directly involve senior managers in all levels of the organisation
5. Improve supervision, particularly for young persons and those on occupational training course
6. Improve production processes
7. Improve the public image of the organisation

Question 16

The reasons for unsuccessful health and safety policies

Answer 16

1. The statements in the policy and the health and safety priroties are not understood, or properly communicated to the business
2. Minimal resources are provided to the implementation of policy
3. Too much emphasis on rule for employees and not management policy
4. A lack of parity with other activities of the organisation I. E. Finance
5. Lack of senior management involvement in health and safety
6. Inadequate ppe..
7. Unsafe and poorly maintained machinery and equipment
8. A lack of health and safety monitoring procedures