Internal & External Influences Flashcards
What are the internal influences on H&S within an organisation?
Finance
Production Targets
Trade Unions
Organisational Goals and Culture
How may finance influence H&S within an organisation?
Budgets reduced to economize
Reduction in resources
H&S Practitioner argues for funding
How may production targets influence H&S within an organisation?
Intense pressure on workers Competition Longer Hours Increased Workloads New Technology New Work Patterns Speed of conveyor belt Incentive Bonus
How may trade unions influence H&S within an organisation?
Investigating potential hazards Examine the cause of accidents Investigate complaints from employees Carrying out inspections Consulting with HSE Inspectors Receiving certain information from HSE
How may organisational goals and culture influence H&S within an organisation?
Some rate H&S highly, some do not
What are the external influences on H&S within an organisation?
Legislation Parliament/HSE Enforcement Agencies Tribunals/Courts Contracts/Contractors/Clients Trade Unions Insurance Companies Public Opinion
How may legislation influence H&S within an organisation?
H&S Advisor should ensure awareness of pending changes and their effect on the company
How may parliament/HSE influence H&S within an organisation?
The laws passed by government will have a direct effect on any company and changes in procedures to accommodate legislative changes may be necessary
The HSE can create change by publishing ACoPs which recommend good practice.
How may Enforcement Agencies influence H&S within an organisation?
Provide Advice
Serving Improvement & Prohibition Notices
Prosecution
How may Tribunals/Courts influence H&S within an organisation?
Employment tribunals may have a direct effect on H&S through their decisions, such as dismissing an appeal against an improvement notice
In a criminal prosecution, the court establishes whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
In civil cases, the organisation may be sued
How may contracts, contractors and clients influence H&S within an organisation?
Where a contractor feels he is making a loss on a particular project, there may be a strong temptation to cut corners.
When a client takes a direct interest in the progress of a contract, the standards on site are positively improved.
There is a need for effective vetting of contractors own company H&S competence before hiring their services.
How may trade unions influence H&S within an organisation?
Supporting members legal actions
Acting through lobby & pressure groups
Carrying out and sponsoring research
Publicizing H&S matters & court decisions
Providing courses on H&S subjects
How may insurance companies influence H&S within an organisation?
Should a company suffer an unusually high accident rate then the insurance company can either increase their insurance premiums or insist that the company adopt risk-reduction measures.
How may public opinion influence H&S within an organisation?
Public opinion can have a powerful effect on legislators, which mat result in legislation being passed or prosecution taking place.
