revision notes week 1

Nebosh International General Certificate Revision

Health and Safety Foundations

Accident Definition:- An unwanted, unplanned event which results in a loss of some kind

Incident/Near miss:- An unwanted, unplanned event that had the potential to result in a loss

Hazard:- Something with the potential to cause harm

Risk:- The likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of the harm

Why manage health and safety

Moral, Legal, FinancialReduced accidentsReduced loss through damage to equipmentReduced absenteeismReduced insurance premiumsImproved moraleImproved company reputationReduced fines,Reduced compensation claimsIncreased likelihood of securing business

Law:- Civil and Criminal

Aims:-Civil:- to compensate an injured party for loss as a consequence of an accident or ill healthCriminal:- To punish and deter individuals/Organisations from behaving in a way that society has decide is unacceptable

Fault LiabilityThere was a duty of care owed to the injured party.The duty of care was breached (Negligence)The breach cause the injury or loss

Employer to provide

Safe place of work and safe access and egressSafe systems of workSafe plant and equipmentInformation, Instruction, Training and supervisionSafe and competent fellow workers

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Hidden costs of accidentsLost TimeExtra wages, overtime payments, temporary workersSick payFinesLegal costsClaimsDamage to equipmentRepairs to plant and equipmentProduction delaysLoss of contractsIncreased insurance premiumsLoss of business reputation

Variation of Legislation between countries caused by:-

Different legal systemsDifferent standards of legislation and enforcementDifferent penalties for breachesReligious and cultural issuesKnowledge of enforcement bodiesFunding of enforcement staffDegree of monitoring/reporting to enforcement authoritiesPolitical pressure

Sources of Information

InternalRisk assessmentsPoliciesInspection reportsMedical recordsHealth and safety committeesPlant registersSafety advisors

ExternalGovernment bodiesNational safety organisationsSuppliers and manufacturersInternational standardsConsultants and specialistsInsurance companies

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Successful Management Systems (HSG 65)

1) Policy:- Health and safety aims of the organisation, health and safety objectives and management commitment

2) Organising:- Competence, commitment and control, Co-operation, Communication

3) Planning and Implementation:- Identify hazards, assess risks, and decide how risks can be eliminated or controlled. Sets standards against which performance can be measured.

4) Measuring performance:- Be used as a means of determining the extent to which health and safety policy and objectives are being implemented and should be both reactive and proactive.

5) Reviewing:- Analysing data gathered through monitoring to see whether performance is adequate

6) Audit:- Systematic critical examination of each stage of an organisations management systems and procedures

OHSAS 18001: 1999

1) Health and safety policy2) Planning3) Implementation and operationControl, Competence, Co-operation, Communication4) Checking and corrective action5) Management review.

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What is a health and Safety policy:- A business plan for safety to prevent or reduce loss in an organisation.

Objectives of policy:- to protect people from injury and ill-health, comply with legal requirements and avoid prosecution and manage health and safety on a cost effective basis.

3 Elements of policy

1) Statement of intent:- A statement establishing the importance of health and safety in the organisation and providing targets and objectives for improvement

2) Organisation:- The roles and responsibilities of everyone in the organisation

3) Arrangements:- The arrangements for effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring of the organisations health and safety

Contents of Arrangements Section

Risk assessmentsFire policyEvacuation proceduresSafe systems of workPermits to workFirst aid policyDisplay screen policyManual handling policyHazardous chemicals policyFork truck policy

Benchmarking

AdvantagesIdentifies key performance indicatorsEnsures monitoring procedures are effectiveFeeds in to the continuous improvement cycleIdentify normal practice amongst similar businessAvoid making mistakes by learning from othersGenerate management focusGains confidence of the stakeholders

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Challenges of benchmarkingSelecting a company with similar activitiesAssuring accuracy of dataUsing common definitionsAccessing dataGaining commitment

Management issues to benchmarkHealth and safety policyStaff roles and responsibilityPlans and strategies which can be measuredRisk assessmentsType of trainingMonitoring, Proactive and reactive

Review of PolicyAccidentsincidentsNew equipmentNew staffNew technologyNew premisesChanges in legislationAccident investigationEnforcement actionProsecutionCompensation claimsPeriodic review

Ineffective policies

No management commitmentNo objectives set to implement policyHealth and safety not given priorityResources not provided to implement actionAims and intentions not understood by personnelToo much emphasis on employee responsibilitiesNo measurement that objectives are being metManagement unaware of their health and safety roleNo management training

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Duties of EmployersA safe place of workSafe work equipment and substancesInformation, Instruction, Training and SupervisionWelfare provisionsEmergency proceduresConsultation with employeesDo not charge employees for health and safety measures

Duties of EmployeesDo not endanger themselves and othersCo-operate with their employerConsult with EmployerReport dangerous situations to Employer

Duties of Designers, Manufacturers and SuppliersEnsure equipment is safe and without risks when being usedEnsure substances are safe and without risks when being usedCarry out any necessary testsProvide informationTake reasonable steps to provide further information if new serious risks appear

Responsibilities of Safety AdvisorsBe properly trained and qualifiedMaintain adequate information systemsBe able to interpret the law applying to their organisationEstablish and maintain procedures for reporting, investigating, recording and analysing accidents and incidentsBe able to present their advice effectively

Relationships outside the organisation

The enforcing authorityFire/rescue serviceInsurance companiesContractorsExternal consultantsEngineersEquipment manufacturers and suppliersClients and customers The policeMembers of the publicThe media

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Clients duties to when work being done by ContractorsTo consider the risks to their own employees from the workThe risks to the Contractors employees from the Clients activitiesRisks to the public and others from the work

Contractors duties To consider the risks to their own employees from the workThe risks to the clients employees from their activitiesRisks to the public and others from the workTo follow clients rules and procedures

Management of ContractorsSelect a suitable contractorPlanning the jobControlling contractors on siteChecking contractors workReview contractors performance

Selecting a suitable ContractorExperience of the type of work and industrySuitable referencesEnforcement recordSafety management such as Policy, risk assessments etc.Accident and ill-health dataMembership of trade/professional bodiesCompetence and training of employeesArrangements for selection of sub-contractorsArrangement for ongoing liaison with clients

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Benefits of a positive cultureIncreased levels of compliance with rules and procedureIncreased staff moraleReduced staff complaintsReduced staff turnoverReduced absenteeismReduced sickness and accident rates

Negative culture Job insecurityReorganisationPoor example set by managementPoor management decision makingInadequate supervisionPoor working conditions

Internal influences on Health and safetyCompetenceCommitment and controlCo-operationCommunicationProduction/service demands

External Influences on Health and SafetySociety expectationsPolitical prioritiesLegislation and enforcementNational or International agenciesPressure groupsInsurance CompaniesWorkers unionsStakeholdersEconomic conditions

To improve cultureSenior management commitmentOwnership of health and safety at every levelEffective communication and consultationTraining for all levels of employeeShared perception of risksStandards of acceptable behaviourLearning from experience through monitoring and reviewBalance between health and safety and production

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Personal factors that might place an individual at greater risk of harm while at workPoor attitudeLow motivationPhysical capabilitiesPoor perception of riskDrugs or alcohol problemsAge related factorsMedical problemsLevels of training and experience

Attitude:- The tendency to respond in a particular way in a given situation

Factors that affect attitudeBackgroundPersonalityExperienceTrainingCompetencePeer group pressureManagement actionsCulture of the organisation

Perception:- The way that people interpret and make sense of presented information

Factors which may affect perceptionThe nature of the hazardsPrevious experienceOver familiarityFeeling of being in controlLevel of trainingPeer group pressureConfidence in others abilityPersonal characteristics

Motivation:- Motivation is the driving force behind the way a person acts in order to achieve a goal

What motivates peopleRewardFulfilmentJob satisfactionRecognitionPeer approval

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Threat of DisciplineWhy person may fail to comply with safety proceduresLack of motivationUnrealistic working proceduresLack of management commitmentOver familiarisationRepetitive work leading to boredomPeer group pressureInadequate supervisionFatigue and stressLack of information, training and consultationJob insecurity

Human Error causesSlipsLapses of attentionMistakesViolations

Reducing human errorSkilled competent workersWell motivated employeesClear roles and lines of responsibilityAdequate levels of supervisionClear information and instructionsDrug and alcohol prevention policiesGood environmental conditions e.g. lighting, noise etc.Avoiding monotonous workBreaks to avoid fatigue

Promoting Safe behaviourDisciplineRewardInformingFacilitate safe behaviourTrain

CompetenceSufficient Knowledge, Training, experience and any other qualities to carry out their functions

CompetenceKnowledgeSkillsExperienceTrainingRecognition of limitations

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Checks to assess competenceQualificationsLevel of trainingMembership of professional/trade organisationsUndertaking written or practical assessmentsSeeking references or recommendations

When is training neededOn recruitment (Induction)On the job trainingTransferNew equipmentNew technologyNew systems of work or system changes

Induction Training programme contentHealth and safety policyCulture of organisationFire precautionsEmergency procedureWhat accidents to be reportedHow to report accidentsHazards of the workplaceDrink and drugs policyFirst aid precautionsWelfare provisions

Additional TrainingNew processesNew equipmentAccidents/incidentsEnforcement actionNew legislationResult of risk assessmentNewly promotedRefresher training

Levels of supervisionPersons skills and qualificationsExperience of the work involvedAgePersons attitude and aptitudeNature and complexity of the taskEmployees communication skillsAny special needs they may have

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Factors when preparing a talk on Health and safetyIdentify the training needs Identify the training objectives The target audience, knowledge, skills etc. Training methods, lecture, video etc. How to evaluate effectiveness of training Number of trainees Time available Training aids required Suitability of training facilities, room size etc. Course rules and administration

Barriers to communication

The person e.g.Sensory impairmentLearning difficultiesInexperienceLack of motivationThe deliverer e.g.Too much jargon, language or dialectAmbiguity of the messageToo complex messageLack of feedbackThe place e.g.High noise levelsInterference from PPEDistractions

Methods of communicationTeam briefingsSafety committee meetingsHealth and safety representativesMemorandaTool box talksNewslettersStandards/codes of practiceWork instructionsPostersNoticesElectronic notice boardsSafety policyInduction and other training

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Written CommunicationAdvantages Disadvantages

Written recordCan be referred toCan convey complex ideasProvide analysisMany people in different locationsCan clarify or confirm oralForms basis of contracts

May not be readTo complex and jargonTime to produce and expensiveTends to be formal and distantDoes not provide feedbackDifficulty to modifyDoes not allow for exchange of viewsAttitude

Oral communicationAdvantages Disadvantages

DirectClose physical proximityAllows for interchangeProvides instant feedbackMay be more effectiveAllows for contribution

No written recordDifficult to controlMay reduce the quality of decision making through lack of timeAttitude

Factors to consider in presentation of health and safety talkThe purpose of the talkThe audienceThe training styleNumber of traineesThe time availableThe skills required by trainerTraining aid requiredThe suitability of the training facilities. Posters

AdvantagesLow costFlexibleBriefUsed to enforce written instructionsConstant reminderDisadvantagesNeed to be changed on regular basisMay become soiledMay be defacedCan become out of dateMay be seen as trivialising matters

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May alienate peopleProvide no feedback

Safety Representatives rights (ILO Convention) C155Have access to all parts of the workplaceTo be able to communicate with workersProtection from dismissalProtection from other prejudicial measuresTo contribute to the decision making processFree to contact enforcement agenciesContribute to negotiations in health and safety mattersGiven appropriate trainingGiven reasonable time to exercise their health and safety functions

Safety Committees AgendaStudy of accident/incident statisticsExamination of audit reportsReports from enforcing authoritiesReports from workers representativesAssist in the development of policies/proceduresMonitoring the effectiveness of trainingMonitoring safety communicationsProvide link with the enforcing authority

Effective Safety CommitteesRight number of membersRight mix of membersAdequate authorityRight knowledge and expertiseGood communicationsSuitable level of formalityInput from outside specialistsLimited individual inputIdentified and agreed prioritiesNo trivia

Ineffective Committee opposite of above

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Hazard:- Something with the potential to cause harm

Risk:- Likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of the harm

Suitable and SufficientBe proportionate to the level of riskEnsure that all aspects of work activity are coveredTake account of the way the work is organisedIdentify the significant hazards and risksEvaluate the risksIdentify control measuresEnable priorities to be setResidual risk low

Competence of Risk AssessorExperience and training in risk assessment techniquesKnowledge of process or activityTechnical knowledge of the plant or equipmentGood communication and report writing skillsAbility to interpret legislation and guidancePossess right atitudeKnows limitations

5 Steps to Risk AssessmentIdentify the hazardsDecide who might be harmed and howEvaluate the risks and the existing precautionsRecord the findingsReview the assessment and revise if necessary

Identifying hazardsTask observationAccident, ill-health or near miss dataWorkplace inspectionsJob safety analysisLegal standards

Hierarchy of ControlEliminateReduceIsolateControlPPEDiscipline

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When assessment should be reviewedAfter an accident/incidentNew equipmentChanges to equipment, plant, processChanges in personnelChanges in legislationResult of monitoring or auditAction by enforcing authorityNew information becomes available

Why young persons at riskLack of experience and/or trainingBody not fully developedMore likely to take risksRespond to peer group pressureBe over enthusiastic

Risks to Young WorkersTheir physical conditionThe workplacePhysical, Biological and chemical hazardsThe work equipmentThe organisation of work and processesHealth and safety training

Risks to New and expectant mothersErgonomicManual handlingExtremes of temperaturePersonal protective equipmentRadiationChemical agentsBiological hazardsWorking conditions

Risks to disabled workersReduced mobility for access and egressAbility to access welfare facilitiesReduced sensory ability e.g. speech, hearing or eyesightReduced ability to lift, carry or move objectsErgonomic hazards

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General Principles of PreventionAvoid the risk e.g. eliminate the hazard or task Evaluate risks which cannot be avoidedCombat risks at sourceAdapt the work to the individualAdapt to technical progressReplace the dangerous by the less dangerousDevelop a coherent prevention policyGive collective measures priority over individual measure

General Hierarchy of ControlEliminateReduceIsolateControlPPEDiscipline

Benefits of PPEOften low costCan be used as short term measurePortable for worker away from baseDisposable PPE reduces risk of infection

Why PPE used as last resortDoes not eliminate the hazardDoes not reduce the hazardOnly protects the wearerAlways fail to dangerMay introduce new hazardsRelies on worker to use itMay not be worn correctlyIt may be uncomfortableWorn for only part of task of shiftWrong sizeUsed when damagedNot properly maintainedManagement may not enforce wearing

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Selection of PPEWhat are the hazardsType of equipmentMade to suitable standardsComfortCompatibilityStorageTraining Cost

Factors affecting the wearing of PPEFitHealth of workerPeriod of useComfortMaintenanceTrainingInterferenceManagement commitmentPeer pressure

Main types of PPEHead protectionEye protectionFoot protectionHand and arm protectionBody protectionRespiratory protection

Safety SignsProhibition (Circular, Red, white background)Warning (Triangular, Yellow black edging)Mandatory (Circular, Blue white symbols)Safe Condition (Green, White symbols)

Safe Systems of Work:- A step by step procedure for carrying out a task safely, identifying the hazards, assessing the risks and the precautions needed to eliminate or reduce the risks.

Factors/Developing safe systems of work1) Select the task to be studied2) Identify the hazards3) Develop the safe system looking at:- Materials/Equipment/Environment/People 18


4) Implement system5) Monitor the system

Permit to Work:- Is a formal written procedure requiring written confirmation that certain actions have been carried out to eliminate or control risks before a specific high risk activity is carried out

Where Permits neededConfined spacesElectricityHot workCold work

Operation of Permit to WorkIdentify the task (Where and when)Identify the hazardsList the precautions to eliminate or reduce the hazardsAdditional precautionsTime limitsIssue by competent personReceipt by person in charge of workCompletionCancellation

Confined Space:- Is any space where there is a specified risk of serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions within the space

What are the specified hazards in a confined spaceFire or explosionLoss of consciousness due to increased body temperatureLoss of consciousness due to asphyxiationDrowningAsphyxiation due to free flowing solids

Confined space examples:- Cellars, Excavations, Sewers, Silos, Tanks,Vats

Avoiding entryModify confined space so entry not requiredHave work done from outside

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Precautions for working in a confined spacePermit to workCompetent staffAppoint a supervisorIsolateEnsure suitable size of entryGas purgingVentilationRegular testing of the atmosphereSpecial tools and lightingPPECommunicationsLimit working timeEmergency procedures

Lone Worker Hazards to be consideredWork locationType of workThe equipmentManual handlingSex of the workerEmergency facilitiesLack of TrainingLack of SupervisionLimited communication

Precautions for lone workersInformation on hazardsTraining to deal with hazardsRegular contactSupervisors regularly visitingAutomatic warning devicesCheck the worker has returned homePPEEmergency action if worker becomes ill

First-Aid:- aim is to preserve life, prevent deterioration and promote recovery

Assessment for first-aid requirementsThe nature of the work and the size of the organisationPast history and accident typeThe nature and distribution of the workforceRemoteness of site from emergency medical servicesThe needs of travelling, remote or lone workers 20


Employees working on shared sitesAbsence of first aiders due to holidays etc.Compliance with legal requirementsReasons to investigate accidentsPrevent future accidents by identifying and eliminating the causesDemonstrate concern about peoples health and safetyImprove worker morale Identify weaknesses in management timePrevent business losesCollate accident and ill-health data and identify trendsDefend criminal casesDefend claims for compensation

Accident:- An unplanned, unwanted event which results in a loss

Incident (Near Miss):- An unplanned, unwanted event that has the potential to result in loss

Why consider near missesNear misses indicate that the potential for serious accidents is present and by reacting to the near misses them will prevent them. If asked in examination explain Bird triangle page 8

Domino Theory:- It has been suggested that the events leading up to an accident are like a row of dominos and by removing dominos the accident will not occur.

Actions following Accident

ImmediateTreatment for injured personnelMake the area safeInitiate emergency planContact emergency servicesPreserve scene for investigationMay have to notify enforcing authorityInitialIdentify witnessesReport details to senior managementReport details to insurance companyLonger TermDecide the depth of the investigation and select teamGather evidence at the sceneInterview witnessesExamine documentsAppoint specialists if necessary

Composition of Investigation team 21


Supervisors and line managers from department where accident occurredA senior manager from another departmentHealth and Safety professionalsSpecialists e.g. EngineersRepresentative of workersEmployee experienced in the work activity.

Direct/Immediate cause of an accidentAn unwanted, unplanned event that results in a loss

Root/Underlying cause of an accidentThe failures in management systems or procedures that have led to the accident

Reasons Why records should be keptTo prevent a recurrenceMonitoring purposesLegal reasonsOccupational ill-health may take years to occurCivil claims

Reporting of accidentsReport to enforcing authorityInjuries involving lost timeDangerous occurrencesOccupational diseases

Information in ReportWho is injured personWhere the accident happenedWhen it happenedWhat happenedWhy it happenedDocumentationEvidenceRecommendations

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Monitoring

Active Monitoring

BenchmarkingTakes key performance indicators and compares them externally with similar organisations or industry standards

Workplace InspectionsA formal, structured examination possibly by a team of people of the working environment that identify hazards that are not controlled

Limitations of inspectionsSome hazards are not visibleSome hazards not always presentUnsafe practices not seen

Types of inspectionsGeneral workplace inspectionsStatutory inspectionsCompliance inspections

People who carry out inspectionsManagersSupervisorsHealth and Safety advisorsEmployee safety representativesEnforcement agencies

Inspection ChecklistCondition of processes and plant ContractorsElectricalEnvironmental conditionsFire protectionFirst aidHand held toolsHazardous substancesHousekeeping/cleanlinessLifting equipmentManual handlingMachinery guardingNoise etc.

Safety Sampling 23


A random exercise in which assigned observers walk in allotted timescale noting incidence of health and safety defects on pre-prepared sheetsSafety ToursAn unscheduled examination of a workplace to look for acceptable standards. A tour can be carried out by a Manager and demonstrates commitment to safety AuditA thorough examination of the performance of the health and safety management systems, procedures.Audits look at Management systems, Procedures, Training, documentation such as safe systems, Permits to work, Interview selected employees as well as examining the workplace.

Reactive MonitoringAccidentsIncidentsIll-health statisticsNear missesDangerous occurrencesComplaints by workforceEnforcement actionProsecutionsCivil claims

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revision notes week 1

Documents

safety policy

safety objectives

safety moral

loss employer

loss hazard

medical records health

supervision safe

safe access