Key Elements of a Health and Safety Policy in NEBOSH

 Key Elements of a Health and Safety Policy in NEBOSH

1.Policy statement of intent

The health and safety policy statement of intent is often referred to as the health and safety policy statement. The statement should be written in clear and simple language so that it is easily understandable. It should also be fairly brief and broken down into a series of smaller statements or bullet points.The statement should be signed and dated by the most senior person in the organization. This will demonstrate management commitment to health and safety and give authority to the policy.
The following points should be included safety policy statement is being drafted:

•the aims should cover health and safety, welfare and relevant environmental issues
• the position of the senior person in the organization
•the names of the Health and Safety Adviser and any safety representatives
•a commitment to the basic requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

2.Organization of health and safety

This section of the policy defi nes the names, positions and duties of those within the organization or company who have a responsibility for health and safety. Therefore, it identifi es those health and safety responsibilities and the reporting lines through the management structure. This section will include the following groups together with their associated responsibilities:

• directors and senior managers (responsible for setting policy, objectives and targets)
• supervisors (responsible for checking day-to-day compliance with the policy)
• safety advisers (responsible for giving advice during accident investigations and on compliance issues)
• other specialist, such as an occupational nurse, chemical analyst and an electrician (responsible for giving specialist advice on particular health and safety issues)
• safety representatives (responsible for representing employees during consultation meetings on health and safety issues with the employer)

3.Arrangements for Health and Safety

The arrangements section of the health and safety policy gives details of the specific systems and procedures used to assist in the implementation of the policy statement. This will include health and safety rules and procedures and the provision of facilities such as a first aid room and wash rooms.
The following list covers the more common items normally included in the arrangements section of the health and safety policy:

• employee health and safety code of practice
• accident and illness reporting and investigation procedures
• emergency procedures, first aid
• procedures for undertaking risk assessments
• control of exposure to specific hazards (noise, vibration, radiation, manual handling, hazardous substances etc.)
• machinery safety (including safe systems of work, lifting and pressure equipment)
• electrical equipment (maintenance and testing)
• maintenance procedures
• permits to work procedures
• use of personal protective equipment

29 CFR 1926Construction Standards

29 CFR 1926

Construction Standards — Jobsite

Audit Instruments:

1926.23 First aid and medical attention

Are first-aid provisions available to workers?

1926.24 Fire protection and prevention

Does a fire protection and prevention program exist?

1926.25 Housekeeping

Are stairs, work areas, and walkways free of hazards?

Are proper containers provided for trash, rags, etc.?

Is scrap and debris removed daily?

Are nails bent over or removed from scrap lumber?

Subpart D Occupational Health and Environmental Controls

1926.50 Medical services and first aid

Are first-aid kits available and complete?

1926.51 Sanitation

Are drinking water, cups, and receptacles provided?

Are there an adequate number of portable toilets provided?

Are washing facilities provided?

1926.52 Occupational noise exposure

Has high noise areas been identified?

Is hearing protection provided and worn?

Are sound levels measured and are those produced by equipment known?

Is an audio metric testing program in effect?

Have engineering and administrative controls been instituted when possible?

1926.55 Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists

Are exposures to vapors, fumes, dust, and mist controlled?

Are agents identified which may cause harm by inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption,

or contact?

Is adequate ventilation provided?

Is protective equipment used to protect against over-exposure?

Are workers made knowledgeable of hazards when working with harmful agents?

1926.56 Illumination

Is work area lighting adequate according to Table D-1?

Are 5-foot candles of Illumination provided throughout the general construction

area?

Are workshops and storerooms provided with 10-foot candles of illumination?

Are light guards provide where there is a possibility of breakage?

Are light fixtures raised above worker’s head?

Are stairways, floor openings and wall openings well illuminated?

1926.57 Ventilation

Is ventilation used as an engineering control?

1926.59 Hazard communication

Have hazard assessments been completed where necessary?

Is the hazard communication program satisfactory?

Are MSDSs available to employees?

Are hazardous materials properly labeled?

Are employees trained to work with hazardous materials?

1926.61 Retention of DOT markings, placards, and labels

Are DOT placards, markings, and labels in accordance with 49 CFR Part 171 in use?

1926.65 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response

Is hazardous waste work being performed?

Has the requirements of the regulations been followed?

Subpart E Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment

1926.95 Criteria for personal protective equipment

Have hazard assessments been completed where necessary?

Is personal protective equipment provided and used?

Have workers been trained in the use of PPE?

1926.96 Occupational foot protection

Are safety shoes worn to prevent foot injury when heavy pieces of work are handled?

Are shoes designed and constructed to standard?

Are ankles and legs protected where hazards exists?

Is foot protection provided and used for wet conditions?

1926.100 Head protection

Are hardhats worn by all those in the construction zone?

Are employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury

from impact, falling, or flying objects, or from electrical shock or burns protected

by protective helmets?

Does helmet design and construction meet standards?

1926.102 Eye and face protection

Are all workers wearing safety glasses with side shields?

Is protective eye and face equipment provided and used where a reasonable

probability of injury can occur and be prevented?

Does protectors fit properly, durable, capable of being disinfected/cleaned, and

kept in good repair?

Is eye protection distinctly marked, limitations or precautions transmitted to user,

designed for construction site use and used in accordance with ANSI Z87.1?

Does protective equipment provide for the use of corrective lenses?

Are filter lens and shade numbers standard for protection against radiant energy

used?

Is special eye protection provided for those exposed to laser beams, acids and

chemical splashes, welding and cutting radiation, sparks, and flashes?

1926.103 Respiratory protection

Are approved respirators used when engineering and administrative controls are

not feasible?

Is approved respiratory equipment maintained properly and fit properly to assure

effectiveness?

Are medical examinations made available to workers and provided free of charge

for worker who wear respirators or are exposed to asbestos or lead?

Is there an established and maintained respiratory protective program?

1926.104 Safety belts, lifelines, and lanyards

Are safety harnesses, belts, lifelines, and lanyards inspected and used?

1926.105 Safety nets

Are safety nets in place where needed?

1926.106 Working over or near water

Are all workers wearing life jackets?

Are ring buoys with 90 feet of line available at 200 feet intervals?

Is at least one life-saving skiff immediately available?

Subpart F Fire Protection and Prevention

1926.150 Fire protection

Are combustible and flammable liquids stored in safety containers?

Are fire extinguishers properly placed and inspected?

Are fire warning signs posted where required?

Is there access to fire hydrants and hoses?

Are extinguishers inspected at least monthly for location, damage, and discharge?

1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids

Are all flammable and combustible liquids used identified by class, flash point,

boiling point, vapor pressure, and major ingredients?

Are locations where flammable vapors may be present protected from ignition

sources by approved electrical installation and equipment, static electricity, bonding

or grounding, no smoking warnings, no open flames or heating devices, no

welding or cutting, no use of spark producing tools?

Are flammable or combustible liquids stored in tanks or closed containers

approved for the specific purpose by class of liquid, volume and location? Does

ventilation prevent vapor air mixtures in concentration over one-fourth of the

lower flammable limit?

Does the quantity of liquids kept in the operational vicinity not normally exceed

supply for one day or one shift?

Are safety containers used for storage and handling of 5 gallons or less?

Do storage limitations outside of approved storage cabinets, inside cabinets, inside

approved storage rooms, and in other types of occupancy or installations meet

standard tables and requirements?

Are suitable fire control devices which meet standard requirements provided?

Is suitable spill control available?

1926.159 Employee alarm systems

Are alarms present to warn of hazards?

Is annual inspection and testing of system done by a competent engineer, inspector,

or person?

Subpart G Signs, Signals, and Barricades

1926.200 Accident prevention signs and tags

Are signs and tags in place?

1926.201 Signaling

Are flagpersons provided with and made to wear orange or red warning garments

while working in vehicular traffic?

Are the warning garments reflectorize material?

Are flagpersons knowledgeable of standard flag signals to control traffic

effectively?

1926.202 Barricades

Barricades conform to ANSI D6.1-1971.

Subpart H Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal

1926.250 General requirements for storage

Are materials properly stored to prevent falling?

Are maximum safe loads for floors posted and observed?

Are isles clear and of adequate size?

Nebosh International General Certificate Short notes Unit IGC1: Management of international health and safety

 Element 1: Foundations in health & safety

Key Learning Points:

The learning outcomes of this Element are that candidates should be able to:

1. Outline the scope and nature of occupational health & safety

2. Explain the moral, social & economic reasons for maintaining & promoting good standards of health & safety in the workplace

3. Explain the role of national governments & international bodies in formulating a framework for the regulation of health & safety

1.1 The scope and nature of occupational health and safety

The multi-disciplinary nature of health and safety

Occupational health and safety is a broad subject that brings together knowledge from many disciplines of learning e.g.:

• Natural sciences e.g. Life sciences, Chemistry, Physics

• Social sciences e.g. Culture and ethics studies, Economics, Psychology, Sociology

• Formal sciences e.g. Computer sciences, Mathematics and statistics

• Applied sciences e.g. Architecture and design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health care, Communication and Law

Barriers to Good Standards of health and safety

Health and safety is a fundamental part of managing an organisation. But there are barriers to achieving good standards of health and safety in the workplace. These are:

1. Complexity

2. Competing and conflicting demands

3. Behavioural issues

Complexity of the organization.

• Leads to risks not being identified

• The Organisation may not provide good solutions to risks

• Good solutions may not be effectively implemented

• Cooperation is needed across all organisational levels

Competing and conflicting demands

• Competing demands for finite resources e.g. time, expertise, money.

• Focus may be placed on immediate costs rather than longer term health and safety programmes

• Conflicting demands placed on managers, supervisors and workers

• Potential conflict on resources between productivity and health and safety to detriment of health and safety

Organizational Culture & behavioral issues

Even when an organisation has identified solutions, the behaviour of managers, supervisors and workers can prevent good health and safety standards by:

• Managers, supervisors and workers not being motivated

• Managers not encouraging good practice

• Workers not following procedures

Basic definitions

Health: A state of both physiological and psychological well-being. In occupational terms, it would include not suffering (e.g.) from fatigue, stress or noise induced deafness

Safety: The absence of danger or physical harm to persons, extending in the workplace to things such as equipment, materials and structures

Welfare: Relates to the provision of workplace facilities that maintain the basic wellbeing and comfort of the worker such as eating, washing and toilet facilities which enable them to fulfill their bodily functions.

Hazard: Anything with a potential to cause harm

Risk: The chance that a hazard will cause harm and its possible consequence in terms of injury, damage.

Accident: An unplanned, unwanted event which leads to injury, damage or loss. There are two types

a) Injury accident – where the unplanned, unwanted event leads to some sort of personal injury, e.g. a cut hand.

b) Damage only accident – where the unplanned, unwanted event leads to equipment or property damage but not personal injury, e.g. a wall is demolished.

Near Miss: An unplanned, unwanted event that had the potential to lead to injury, damage or loss but did not.

Ill health: A disease or medical condition that is directly attributable to work, e.g. dermatitis because of exposure to skin irritants.

Dangerous occurrence:

A specified event that must be reported to the relevant authority by statute law OR a readily identifiable event, as defined under national laws and regulations, with potential to cause injury or disease to people at work or the public. E.g. a major gas leak.

1.2 The moral, social and economic reasons for maintaining and promoting good standards of health and safety in the workplace

Three main reasons for maintaining good standards of health and safety

1. MORAL (protect people from injury & ill health)

2. ECONOMIC (cost effective objectives' achievement)

3. SOCIAL (societal expectations of good HS standards)

1. Moral:

The moral arguments are best reflected by the occupational disease and accident rate.

Healthy organizations hold their employees to be the most valued asset and take every precaution known on how, to protect employees' health and safety. Occupational accidents and diseases have a big negative feedback on reputation, productivity and morale.

2. Economic / Financial:

Any accident or ill-health will cost both direct and indirect or insured/uninsured costs.

It is crucial that all costs (direct / indirect) are considered when the full cost of an accident is calculated.

Note: Employer’s Liability Insurance:

• Is a legal requirement in many countries?

• Covers the employer’s liability in case of accidents and occupational diseases to employees or others who may be affected by their activities.

• Covers compensations in case an employee sues his/her employer following an accident regardless the financial status of the company.

Costs of accidents to an organisation Direct costs include: Indirect costs include:

• First-aid treatment,

• sick pay,

• lost production time.

• Fines and compensation.

• Lost time for investigation.

• Lost morale and damaged worker relationships.

• Cost of recruitment of replacement staff.

• Lost reputation.

Insured costs Uninsured costs

• Fire.

• Worker injury/death.

• Medical costs.

• Damage to Plant, Buildings and Equipment

• Civil claims in form of compensations.

• Production delays

• Loss of Raw Materials

• Investigation Time

• Criminal fines and Legal costs

• Sick Pay

• Overtime Pay

• Hiring and Training New Employee

• Loss of Business Reputation

3. Legal:

What employers must provide (employer’s duty of care ILO C155 Article 16)?

• Safe place of work – and safe access and egress.

• Safe plant and equipment – the need to inspect, service and replace machinery will depend on the level of risk.

• Safe system of work – should be safe in all circumstances – appropriate review, planning and control ensure continued safety of methods.

• Information, Instructions, Training and Supervision (IITS)

• Competent staff

Discuss the societal expectations of good standards of Health & safety.

Note:

Worldwide, there are variations in the level of implementation and enforcement of legislation depending on:

• Different standards & regulations in different countries

• Different penalties in different regions

• Cultural differences and the degree of reporting

• Economic and Political status

• Different laws and legislations

1.3 The role of national governments and international bodies in formulating a framework for the regulation of health and safety

Employers’ responsibilities

Article 16 of C155 identifies obligations placed on employers to:

• Ensure that workplaces, machinery, equipment and work processes are safe and without risks to health.

• Ensure that chemical, physical and biological substances and agents are without risk to health when protective measures have been taken.

• Provide adequate protective clothing and equipment to prevent risks of accidents or adverse health effects.

Article 10 of R164:

• Provide and maintain workplaces, machinery and equipment and use working methods that are safe.

• Give necessary instruction, training and supervision in application and use of health and safety measures.

• Introduce organisational arrangements relevant to activities and size of undertaking.

• Provide PPE and clothing without charge to workers.

• Ensure that work organisation, particularly working hours and rest breaks, does not adversely affect occupational safety and health.

• Take reasonably practical measures with a view to eliminating excessive physical and mental fatigue.

• Keep up to date with scientific and technical knowledge to comply with the above. Workers’ responsibilities Workers’ rights

Article 19 of C155 also places obligations on workers, expanded in R164 as follows:

• Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of other people.

• Comply with safety instructions and procedures.

• Use all safety equipment properly.

• Report any situation that they believe could be a hazard and which they cannot themselves correct.

• Report any work-related accident/ill health.

Article 19 of C155 states that every worker must be:

• Given adequate information on actions the employer has taken to ensure safety and health.

• Given the right to the necessary training in safety and health.

• Consulted by the employer on all matters of safety and health relating to their work.

• Given the right to leave a workplace that he has reason to think presents an imminent and serious danger to his life or health, and not be compelled to return until it is safe.

The role of enforcement agencies and consequences of non-compliance:

Enforcement in any government: The local authorities may send an inspector, under the Health & Safety laws to shops, hotels, restaurants, garages, offices and residential homes.

The inspector has the right to:

• Enter premises at any reasonable time, accompanied by a police officer, if necessary.

• Examine, investigate and take samples and photographs.

• Seize, destroy or render harmless any substance or article.

• Issue enforcement notices and initiate prosecution

Breach of H&S legislation is usually a criminal offence, leading to:

Formal enforcement action:

• Improvement notice – It’s like a warning notice

• Prohibition notice – it’s a notice for stopping work or closure of a company

Prosecution:

• Organisation may be fined.

• Individuals may be fined or imprisoned.

Compensation through the civil courts

International standards and conventions (e.g. International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Labour Organisation - ILO)

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)

• An international standard-setting body

• Composed of representatives from various national standards bodies

• Founded in 1947

• Produces world-wide industrial and commercial standards

standards

The International Labour Organisation (ILO)

• Founded in 1919

• It is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency

• Brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes

• Derives Conventions that members ratify, and when ratified member countries are expected to meet the requirements of the Convention

• Also, produces recommendations, guidelines, codes of practice and reports on issues that affect health and safety

• Also, produces many informative books, including the very useful health and safety encyclopaedia

BS OHSAS 18001: 2007 "Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series"

BSI adopted OHSAS 18001 as a British standard in 2007.

Occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing a framework that helps organizations to:

• Identify and control health and safety risks

• Reduce the potential for accidents

• Aid legal compliance

• Improve overall performance

BS OHSAS: 2007 is made up of the following

1. Occupational Health & Safety Policy

2. Planning

3. Implementation and operation

4. Checking and corrective action

5. Management Review

Proposed External Sources of information on Health and Safety:

• National Safety Organizations e.g. IOSH Institution of Occupational Safety & Health

• Professional Consultants and Consultancy bodies

• Workers Unions & Governmental sources of laws & Regulations.

• Suppliers and Manufacturers.

• Internet:

a. The OSHA website: www.osha.gov

b. National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health USA: www.cdc.gov/niosh

c. The IOSH website: www.iosh.co.uk

d. The British Safety Council website: www.bscawards.org

e. The ILO website: www.ilo.org

f. The Health & Safety Executive UK website: www.hse.gov.uk

g. The European Agency for Safety & Health at Work: http://hwi.osha.europa.eu

Proposed Internal Sources of Information on Health and Safety:

• Policies & Internal Standards

• Health and Safety meeting minutes & recommendations

• Audits/inspections' reports

• Risk Registers & Risk Assessments

• Incidents' records & accidents investigation reports

REVISION QUESTIONS

Outline the difference between criminal and civil law

Qn. Outline why the management of an organisation might not consider health and safety to be a priority.

• Competes with other business priorities such as production, which are the main aims of the organisation

• May be an unproductive cost to the business

• Ignorance of legal duties

• Lack of care for staff welfare

• Focus on output and profitability at expense of worker well-being

• Cost to the business – taking a short-term view

• Ignorance of true cost to the business of worker ill health

• Competition within the business for access to limited funds

• Unwillingness or lack of resources to devote time to H&S management

• Failure to perceive hazards in their operations

• Cavalier attitude to the management of risks

Outline the term ‘health’, ‘safety’ and ‘welfare’ with relevant examples in relation to workers at work.

Outline what is meant by the direct cost of a health and safety incident, with an example for each.

Explain the social reasons for preventing accidents/incidents and ill-health in the workplace.

Outline the worker’s responsibilities and rights in the Occupational Safety and Health Convention C155.

Explain what is meant by practicable duties placed on employers.

Outline why ISO international standards are not in any way binding on either governments or industry merely by virtue of being international standards.

CONTENTS

1. The scope and nature of occupational health and safety

2. The moral, social and economic reasons for maintaining and promoting health and safety

3. The role of national governments and international bodies in formulating a framework for regulation of health and safety

Unit A-1 Nebosh international diploma in occupational health and safety.

https://www.facebook.com/788328597895563/posts/3431488393579557/

Safety Programe

Question.what is safety programe? What are basic elements of  good safety program?

Answer.Safety programs provide guidelines that direct procedures and include checklists that can make work environments safer by preventing mishaps.

Safety program can be defined as five methods by which accident can be prevented easily. They are

1, Engineering

2,Education

3, Enforcement

4,Enthusiasm

5, and Example

There are four basic elements to all good safety programs:

1,Management Commitment and Employee Involvement.

2,Worksite Analysis.

3,Hazard Prevention and Control.

4,Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The following points should be kept in mind while investigating an accident:

 

1.   Receiving of 1^st. information report.

2.   Preparation for investigation.

3.   Site survey/collection of evidence.

4.   Recording of evidence from injured persons/eye-witnesses.

5.   Discussion and analysis.

6.   Report writing.

 

1.             Receiving of 1^st  information report:

 

·      Try to maintain a comfortable state of mind whilst receiving the first information report of any accident.

·      Identify the informer as far as possible.

·      Be sure of the location of the accident.

·      Ask for the approach way if the location of the site is not clear and request the informer to remain t a known/prominent nearby place.

·      Enquire about the details of the victims for e.g., how many, their names designations etc.

·      Enquire about the nature of the injury.

·      Inform concerned agencies like Fire Brigade, Fuel Management, Gas Control, F/A stn. Etc. to do the needful.

·      If the danger is till persisting or continuing, suggest measures to stop control or minimise it.

·       Suggest maintaining the site undisturbed.

·      If the information is received telephonically during night hours, check back with the concerned department before proceeding.

·      Take minimum time in getting first information report without compromising on the above guidelines.

 

2.             Preparation for investigation.

A. Keep your Head and other officers concerned informed about the F.I.R. received by you.

B. Ask for any assistance required, e.g.

·      Sending other inspectors/ Ambulance /Photographer etc.

·      Involving other specialised / expert agencies.

 

·      officers to help in the investigation.

·      Calling the Fire Brigade /          C. Take the following accessories with you.

·       A writing pad, a pen and carbon papers.

·      A torchlight.

·      A measuring tape.

·      Co-detector with at least 3 carbon monoxide detecting tubes. N.B., Check the expiry date of tubes.

·      Your own safety appliances eg. Shoes, helmet, hand-gloves

 

3.             Site survey/collection of evidence.

 

Different kinds of sites;

a)             Deserted site

b)            Crowded site

c)             Furious mob at site

 

The above sites could be those where injuries and loss of life and properties has already taken place. or

Where persons are still in the process of being injured or were the property is in the process of being damaged.

 

Advice:

 

a) Ask for assistance

b) Try to locate the agencies executing the job

c) Also, make an assessment of the situation prevailing at the site, giving a rough/approximate estimate of the damage/loss incurred.

d) Make out a sketch Take photographs

e) Help of security may be sought to keep the mob at a safe distance or to disperse/control them.

f) Suggest & help to stop/minimise losses if it is continuing.

 

CHECK LIST FOR SITE SURVEY

 

1.             Which agency is doing the job?

2.             Which agency is supervising the job?

3.             Who gave the clearance? Was the clearance given on a proper form?

4.             Was there any other agency involved in a parallel activity?

5.             Who were the co-workers present at the time of occurrence?

6.             Was there any other person who was an eye witness to the occurrence?

7.             Is there any material evidence lying at the site?

8.             Has the site been cordoned off?

9.             Collect details of the injured persons?

10.        Is there any need for other agencies to investigate? Inform them.

11.        Is there any need of more persons to assist? Ask for it.

12.        Check the approach way to the site for unsafe conditions

13.        Look for unsafe conditions which are still existing at the accident site which might have caused or may cause injury to persons.

14.        Check the surroundings, for any unsafe conditions, with respect to Gas, Electricity, Chemicals, mobile equipments etc.

15.        How is the illumination, ventilation and general cleanliness of the work area.

 

4. Check list for recording of statements of injured persons/eye-witnesses.

 

i)          Particulars of the injured persons/eye witness:

Name, S/O, T.No., P.No., G.P.No.(In case of contractor employees), Designation, department, permanent address, Date of employment, Date of Birth (Age)

ii)       Date, Time and place of occurrence

iii)     Duty of the party/was he on O.T.?

iv)     Experience of the injured person on the job.

v)        Was he given safety induction related to the job by the staff of safety & Environment?

vi)     Was the clearance taken from the authorised agency, as per procedure and in the proper form?

vii)  Was the standard operating procedure available and was it being followed?

viii)              What was the party doing at the time of accident?

ix)     What was the causing agent?

x)        How was the party sustained the injury?

xi)     Which part/s of the body was/were injured?

xii)  Whether the party was conscious or unconscious?

xiii)              Is there any history of any medical ailment?

xiv)              Was he exposed to any dangerous chemical?

xv)   What was the position of the injured person at the time of accident with respect to other co-workers/machines/equipment etc?

xvi)              What was the condition of the tools/tackles he was working with?

xvii)           Who was supervising the job? Was the present there?

xviii)         Was any external factor involved in the accident?

xix)              Any other relevant fact about the accident?

 

 

5.     Discussion and analysis.

 

All accidents before suggesting preventive measures should be discussed with:

I)              Site supervisors/officers.

II)          Union Committee members.

III)       Head of section/department.

IV)      Area specialist.

 

Objectives

 

To arrive at the immediate and basic (Root) causes of the accident so as to suggest effective preventive measures.

 

N.B.: Discussions should be done at a place away from the site and in the presence of the concerned persons only.  They should be asked for the possible preventive measures and practicability of the various measures proposed.

 

Decision

 

A final decision regarding the preventive measures should be taken taking the implementing authorities in confidence.

 

Hints for suggesting preventive measures:

 

    1. Explore the possibility of:

 * Change in layout.

 * Change in existing procedures/process.

 * Use of substitutes.

2.   Provide guards/fences/interlocks etc.

3.   Provide necessary safety appliances.

4.   Imparting necessary training.

5.   Ensure effective supervision.

6.   Enforce discipline.

                               

                                                                        Sayed Danish Haider

 

 

 

NEBOSH IGC ELEMENT 4

Element-4

1. Define the terms Active and reactive monitoring?

* Active Monitoring:

Done before something goes wrong, involves routine inspections and checks to ensure that standards are met, policies are implemented and controls are adequate.

It measures the Progress.

* Reactive Monitoring: 

Done after something goes wrong. Helps organizations to learn from mistakes and avoid recurrence.

It measures the Failure.

2. Define various type of Safety Inspections and things to be covered during ?

* Routine Inspection: To check general standards of health and safety.

* Statutory Inspection: By competent person to fulfill legal requirement (LT&T)

* Periodic Inspection: Plant and Machinery of a planned maintenance program 

* Pre-use-checks: By workers before using plant and machinery (like forklift, crane etc)

4P's to cover during Inspection:

* Plants and substances 

* Premises

* Procedures 

* People

3. What factors to be considered to decide how often (frequency) active monitoring / inspections should take place?

* The level of risk in activity 

* Manufacturers Recommendation 

* Companies own policy

* Countries law

* Inspection and audit findings 

* Accidents history and results of Investigation 

* Complaints from workers

* Risk assessment 

4. What are the topics to be covered in Generic Safety Inspection checklist?

* Housekeeping: 

* Fire: Escape routes, fire detection, firefighting, emergency Procedures, proper storage of flammable materials.

* Chemicals: Storage and usage, PPE

* Electrical: proper usage of portable tools, protective devices

* Environment: adequate lighting, noise and dust control, space

* Vehicles: segregation of pedestrians, parking areas

5. Define Safety Sampling and Safety Tours?

* Safety Sampling: 

Looking into a representative sample and deciding on compliance or non-compliance. 

* Safety Tours:

Routine unplanned round taken by high level manager along with line manager, supervisor and workers. Objective is to observe workers behaviour and promotes consultation. Visible leadership.

6. What are the factors to be examined in reactive monitoring?

* Accident data

* I'll health data

* Absenteeism data

* Claims record

* Number of complaints recorded

* Prosecution 

* Enforcement notices 

7. What are the benefits of collecting Near Miss Data?

* We can identify underlying causes which may allow preventive actions

* Gives message to workforce that all failures all taken seriously.

* As number are more therefore provide greater understanding of the deficiencies in management system which can be identified and rectified.

8. Why it is important to learn lessons from beneficial and adverse events?

* Lesson learned from both is the learning gained from the process.

* Each success or failure needs to be analyzed, so that what had been done correctly and what has been not is known.

* Beneficial events will give confidence to management to replicate the process throughout.

* Similarly, adverse events needs to be investigated and root cause needs to be evaluated. The learnings to be communicated across the organization so as to avoid repetition.

* Lessons can be learned from other organizations also.

9. Explain Leading and Lagging indicators? Or Difference between leading and lagging indicators?

Leading Indicators:

* Proactive in nature. 

* Includes safety initiatives or reported activities

* Goal is to prevent unfavorable events.

* Generated from active monitoring like safety Inspections, preventive maintenance

* Help to improve safety through awareness and prevention 

* Examples - Number of Safety trainings / Tool Box talks / Risk Assessment planned vs actual, Results of Behavior and Safety audits, Participation in Safety Committee 

Lagging Indicators:

* Include data from past like incidents and accidents statistics

* Generated from reactive monitoring like measuring hours lost due to reportable injuries.

* Prove to management that the steps taken to improve occupational health and safety is actually working.

* Examples - Injury frequency and severity, Lost workdays, Reportable incidents, Employee compensation cost, Chemical releases

10. What are the roles / function of incident investigation?

* Reactive monitoring and hence provides data to organizations for analysis.

* A proper investigation helps to understand why incident happened and what could be done to prevent it in future.

* Will tell what changes needs to be done in risk assessment by means of additional control measures.

* Investigation ensures staff isn't demoralized by the incident.

* Company might want to decide on disciplinary actions.

* It is a legal requirement.

* Investigation is required to process a claim from insurance agency.

* Helps in calculating cost of accident.

11. Explain the steps of incident investigation?

a) Gathering the information 

* Observation: Camera, measuring tape, pen and notebook to note observations and take sketches.

* Interview: With the witnesses, In a quiet environment away from accident site, to be recorded and signed at the end, Open ended questions, with open mind and not jump to conclusions, thanking the witness.

* Documentation: Relevant policies, Training records, Maintenance records, Sickness and absenteeism records, Risk assessment, Safe System of work, Site plans and layout, Active monitoring records.

b) Analyzing the information

To find out the cause of incident

* Immediate Causes: immediate reason due to unsafe act or unsafe condition.

* Underlying Causes: Behind the immediate causes like time pressure, inadequate training, lack of maintenance.

* Root Causes: Normally point towards management deficiencies.

c) Identifying Risk Control Measures

* To prevent recurrence 

* Practical

* Whether they will be use

* Whether they will remain effective 

Must take care of immediate and route causes.

d) Action Plan and it's implementation

Who will do what and by when.

12. What are the barriers in incident reporting?

* No reporting policy in place.

* Work culture of not reporting

* Workers not aware about roles and responsibilities.

* There is a blame culture in the organization, workers are afraid of disciplinary actions

* Filling forms take too long 

* There is peer pressure that prevents reporting.

* Once reported there is poor management response 

* To prevent department statistics which may impact incentives 

13. Define Audit?

Audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled.

14. Why health and safety management system should be audited?

* To verify that health and safety management system is appropriate.

* To verify if implementation is done correctly with appropriate risk controls.

* To verify the results obtained against set goals.

* To identify reasons of failure of management system

* To learn from mistakes and avoid recurrence.

* To evaluate effectiveness of controls in place, process / system.

* To demonstrate the leadership commitment and duty of care.

15. What are the differences between Audit and Inspection?

Audit Inspection

* Examines documents Checks workplace

* Examines procedures Checks records

* Interview workers Usually quick

* Verify costs Lower cost

* Checks Workplace Basic Competence

* Long process Maybe part of audit

* Usually expensive Done by a team

* Done by trained auditor

16. What are the different types of audits?

a) Product / Service Safety Audit:

Examination of a product or service, such as hardware, processed material or software, to evaluate whether it confirms to requirment.

b) Process Audit:

Verifies that process are working within established limits. Evaluates an operation or method to check:

* Conformance to defined requirements such as time, temperature, pressure.

* Examine the resources (equipment, material, people), environment, methods (procedures, instructions).

* Checks the adequacy and effectiveness of process controls.

c) System Audit:

Conducted on a management system. Documented activity performed to verify, by examination and evaluation of objective evidence, that applicable elements are appropriate and effective.

17. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Internal Audit?

Advantages:

* Less expensive 

* Auditors are familiar with workplace and what is practicable for industry.

* Can see changes from last audit.

* Improves ownership of issues identified.

* Builds internal competencies.

* Workforce may be at ease.

* Familiarity with individuals.

Disadvantages:

* Auditors may not notice certain issues.

* Less knowledge of industry and legal standards.

* Lack of auditing skills

* Auditors are part of system so may be subjected to internal influence.

18. What are the advantages and disadvantages of external audit?

Advantages:

* Independent of any internal influence.

* Fresh pair of eyes.

* Experienced in auditing.

* Recommendation may carry more weight.

* More up to date with the law and best practices.

* Maybe more critical.

Disadvantages:

* Expensive 

* Time consuming 

* May not understand the business so make impractical suggestions 

* May intimidate workers and so get incomplete evidence.

19. Explain the stages in Auditing?

a) Pre-audit Preparations:

Before start of audit to define:

* The scope of audit

* The area of audit

* The extent of audit

* Who will be required

* Information gathering - documents required to prepare for audit

b) Competency of the Auditor 

* Relevant certification, experience in conducting similar audits, knowledge of company process.

c) During the Audit

* Paperwork or documentation: 

Typically auditor may look at following documents to gain evidence of conformity - Policy, Risk assessment, SSOW, Training records, Minutes of safety Committee meetings, Maintenance records, Active monitoring records, Reactive monitoring records, Emergency arrangements, mock drills records, Inspection reports by insurance agencies, output of regulatory visits, worker complaints.

* Interviews: with workers and managers to understand how well the policies are understood and their roles and responsibilities.

* Observations: Field visit to observe behavior and correct implementation of SSOW.

d) End of Audit:

Major non-conformance

Minor non-conformance

Observations

20. Why to review health and safety performance?

* Identify weakness in management systems.

* Determine cause to prevent recurrence 

* Identify weakness in risk assessment 

* Demonstrate management commitment 

* Comply with country's legal requirement 

* Collect data to establish losses

* Provide information for civil/criminal actions 

* Provide information to insurance company 

* To meet requirment of stakeholders and shareholders.

21. What needs to be considered in health and safety review?

* Pending actions from previous reviews 

* Legal compliance 

* Findings of active monitoring:

Safety Inspections 

Safety Tours

* Reactive monitoring data:

Accident and Incident data

Absence and sickness data

* Quality assurance reports

* Audit reports

* Monitoring data / records / reports

* External communication and complaints 

* Consultation 

* Objectives status

* Legal and best practice development

NEBOSH IGC ELEMENT 3

Element - 3

1. Define health and safety culture?

A health and Safety culture can be defined as the product of individual and group values, beliefs, attitude, perception, behavior and competencies related to health and safety. 

2. How Safety culture is influenced?

Safety culture is influenced by:

* Management Commitment 

* Communication

* Worker Competence 

* Co-operation 

Positive and Negative safety culture.

3. What are indicators of Organization's Health and Safety Culture?

* Accident / Incidents

* Absenteeism 

* Sickness Rates

* Staff Turnover 

* Level of compliance with Rules and Procedures 

* Complaints about the working conditions 

4. Who is a competent worker?

A competent worker is a person who has sufficient Knowledge, Skills, Education, Experience and other abilities and authorized to carry out their work safely and without risk to health.

5. Why it is important to use variety of method of communication?

To overcome the barriers of each method and for reasons like:

* Varity prevents over-familiarization.

* Helps to reinforce a message 

* Overcome Language barriers 

* People respond differently to different stimuli

* To motivate, stimulate and gain involvement and feedback 

* Different types of information require different methods

* Need to keep evidence 

* To ensure communication is clear and understood by all.

6. What are different methods of communication?

A. Verbal communication 

B. Written communication 

C. Graphic communication 

7. What are methods of broadcasting different type of communication?

A. Notice Boards

B. Posters and Videos 

C. Tool Box Talk 

D. Digital Media

E. Company Intranet 

F. Mails and Memos

G. Workers Handbook 

8. Define informing and consulting?

Informing: A one way process, Generally decisions are taken by management, Informed to workers, Workers will resists as it is imposed, Autocratic, Creates negative safety culture.

Consulting: Two-way process, Decision is taken after discussion of worker and management, Workers are involved, Democratic, workers will support and co-operate, Creates positive safety culture.

There can be Direct consultation and Indirect consultation.

9. What are the benefits of worker participation?

* Helps improve their understanding of the values and importance of health and safety.

* Develops feeling of ownership of safety measures.

* Improves morale of workforce and helps in developing positive safety culture.

* By seeking views and allowing to contribute to decision making, management would demonstrate commitment towards health and safety.

* Workable solutions will be arrived with consultation and participation.

* Might be a legal requirement.

10. When and why training is required?

* Induction Training: New joining 

* Job Change: Job profile changes

* Process Change: Way of doing 

* Introduction of new legislation 

* Introduction of new technology 

11. What are general contents of training to new workers?

* Organization health and safety policy and targets

* Fire and other emergency procedures- assembly points

* Location of welfare facilities 

* Safe movement 

* Incident reporting procedure 

* Workers consultation arrangements 

* General safety rules and code of practice 

* Personal Protective Equipment - Requirements and use

* Introduction to SSOW and PTW etc.

* Introduction to risk assessment 

* Co-operation and co-ordination 

* Do's and Don'ts - drug abuse - Disciplinary Procedures.

12. What are the Human Factors which influence behavior?

A. Organizational Factors:

* Safety culture of the organization 

* Policy and Procedures 

* Commitment and Leadership of management 

* Level of supervision

* Communication 

* Resources 

* Training 

* Peer group pressure 

* Consultation and worker involvement 

* Work patterns 

B. Job Factor

* Task

* Workload 

* Environment 

* Display and controls 

* Procedures

C. Individual Factors

* Attitude 

- Education and Training 

- High Impact Intervention 

- Consultation and involvement 

- Enforcement 

* Motivation 

* Competence 

* Perception of risk

13. What factors may affect perception of risks?

* Ilness

* Stress 

* Fatigue

* Distraction 

* Previous experience 

* Training, Knowledge, Education 

* Drugs and alcohol 

14. Define Hazard and Risk?

- Hazard is a source with a potential to cause injury and ill-health.

- Risk is a combination of the likelihood of occurence of a hazardous event and the severity of injury and ill-health that can be caused by hazardous event or exposure.

15. What is Risk Profiling?

Risk Profiling involves gathering information about operations and process, using existing risk assessment, and risk assessment methodology to evaluate risks, and developing suitable means for monitoring and providing assurance. 

Risk information generated from interviews needs to be confirmed and ranked, and together with risk assessment should form the basis of overall risk profile.

16. What is the purpose of risk assessment?

* Comply with health and safety legislation 

* minimize risks by correct application of risk control measures 

* Legal compliance 

* To prevent incidents from happening 

* To prevent legal enforcement actions 

* To prevent direct and indirect cost of accidents.

17. Explain how a risk assessment will be called Suitable and Sufficient?

* State the name and competence of assessor and name of any specialist

* Identify the significant hazard and risk

* Identify all the persons who could be at risk

* Evaluate the effectiveness of current control measures

* Identify other control measures

* Enable employer to identify and prioritize the control measures 

* Record significant findings

* Be appropriate to nature of work and be proportionate to the risk 

* State the period of time it will remain valid.

18. Define General Approach of Risk Assessment or Define Risk assessment process?

Step-1: Identify Hazards

Step-2: Identify people at risk

Step-3: Evaluate risk

Step-4: Record Significant findings 

Step-5: Reason for review 

19. Explain Hazard identification methods?

* Carrying our workplace Inspection 

* Task analysis 

* Sources of information to consult

* Legislation 

* Manufacturers Information 

* Incident data

20. What are the general principles of risk control? 

* Eliminate the Hazard / Risk

* Control the Hazard / Risk at source 

* Minimize the Hazard / Risk by design of safe work system

* For residual hazard / risk, provide PPE.

21. What categories of People to be considered when identifying People at Risk in Risk assessment?

* Workers and Operators 

* Supervisor and Managerial staff

* Maintenance staff

* Contractors 

* Cleaners and Housekeepers 

* Visitors / Customers 

* Members of Public

22. What are acute and chronic health effects or Difference between acute and chronic health effects?

* Acute:

- High Level of exposure

- Short exposure time

- Quick effect

* Cronic:

- Lower level of exposure 

- Long exposure time

- Long term effect

23. Explain Hierarchy of Controls?

A. Elimination 

B. Substitution 

C. Engineering controls

D. Administrative controls with training 

E. PPE

24. What are the situations which can trigger a review of risk assessment?

* Due to significant changes like:

Process, Substance, Equipments, Workplace Environment, Personal, Legal standards

* Due to reasons like:

Accidents, Near Miss, ill-health

* Periodic review once a year

25. What are the factors to be considered in Fire risk assessment?

* Construction and use of building 

* Emergency routes and exits

* Fire detection and warning systems

* Fire fighting equipments 

* Removal or safe storage of dangerous substances 

* Emergency fire evacuation plan

* Needs of vulnerable people 

* Providing information to employees and other people on the premise 

* Staff fire safety training 

26. What are the requirements (factors to be considered) of Ergonomic Assessment of DSE?

* Is chair positioned directly in front of the monitor.

* Are eyes about 18-28 inches from the monitor.

* Able to look at monitor straight head.

* Can read monitor without bending Head or looking forward.

* Correct Brightness, contrast, font size

* Screen free from glare 

* Any special glasses used

* Wrists in straight and neutral position 

* Elbows at 90 deg

* Shoulders relaxed

* Good lumber support from chair

* Able to use mouse, keyboard without stretching, bending, twisting 

* Legs fit comfortably with work surface 

* Feet fully supported by floor or foot rest 

* Short breaks like stand up, stretch 

27. What are the steps involved in risk assessment of Hazardous substances (COSHH)?

* Gathering information about the substance, the work and working practices 

* Evaluate risk to health 

* Decide on necessary measures to comply with regulations

* Recording the assessment 

* Review the assessment 

28. What are the factors to be considered while doing risk assessment of Hazardous Substances?

* Hazardous nature of substance 

* Potential ill effects 

* Physical forms

* Routes of entry 

* Quantity 

* Concentration 

* Number of people exposed 

* Assigned exposure limit (WEL)

* Frequency of exposure 

* Duration of exposure 

* Existing control measures.

29. What are the factors to be considered while doing risk assessment for Expectant and Nursing mothers?

* Manual Handling 

* Chemical or biological agents 

* Ionizing radiation 

* Passive smoking 

* Rest room facility

* Temperature variation 

* Ergonomic issues related to prolonged standing, sitting etc.

* Issues with use of PPE's

* Working hours

* Stress and violence to staff

30. When MOC will be applicable?

* Construction works

* Change of process

* Change of equipment 

* Change of working practices 

31. Explain how Impact of change can be minimized?

a. Communication and Co-operation - Proper communication and Co-operation between all people

b. Risk Assessment - Forward looking process

c. Appointment of competent people - with sufficient knowledge and experience 

d. Segregation of work areas - physical barriers 

e. Amendment of Emergency Procedures - because of extra people, equipments and hazards

f. Welfare Provisions

32. Why workers to be involved when developing SSOW?

* They work directly on machine or manufacturing process.

* Legal requirement 

* Best position to help.

* Will create ownership and buy in.

* Implementation will be fast and effective 

33. Explain Why procedures should be written down / recorded?

* Can be written carefully and signed by competent person

* Proper document number, date, revision number can be given to facilitate regular review

* Provides a point of reference to worker and Supervisor whenever they have doubt

* Can be in one-page pictorial instruction 

* Forms the basis for all future training 

* Legal requirement 

* Provides reference for investigation of accidents 

34. What are the steps in task analysis?

SREDIM

* Select the task

* Record the steps of task

* Evaluate risk associated with each step

* Develop safe working method

* Implement

* Monitor its effectiveness 

35. What are the factors to be considered while developing a SSOW?

PEME

* People

* Equipment 

* Materials 

* Environment: Factors like lighting, space, dust, noise, temperature 

36. Explain the process of PTW?

* Issue of Permit - Senior level manager after ensuring type of work, place of work, workers, control measures before and during work, date and time, duration, parallel permit, copy of risk assessment attached, name and signature.

* Receipt of permit - Workers, read the control measures, start work

* Clearance of permit - sign for completion by workers and removal of controls

* Cancellation - by authorizing manager after visiting the site and ensuring removal of controls 

* Extension (optional) - If work can't be completed in stipulated duration 

37. What are the requirements of effective PTW system?

* Issuing authority and workers needs to be trained and competent 

* Permit to be filled after visiting the site and not from the desk

* Permit should not be amended 

* Active and regular supervision 

* Issuing authority to visit the site to ensure controls have been removed and plant is returned to original state before cancelling the permit

* Enough time to be accorded to fill the permit.

38. When PTW system is used? Or 

What type of work are normally covered in PTW system?

* Hot work

* Work on non-live (isolated) Electrical systems

* Machinery Maintenance 

* Confined space 

* Work at Height

* Excavation, especially near buried services.

39. What are the precautions for control of hot work?

* Work carried out by competent person

* All flammable substances to be removed 

* Equipments which can't be removed should be covered with fire proof blankets 

* Fire extinguisher to be kept

* Fire watcher presence 

* Area to be swept of any debris before start of work

* Wooden flooring to be damped down with water

* After completing, smoldering embers should be disposed off correctly.

40. What are the requirements of Electrical PTW?

* The person the permit is addressed to, who will be present throughout the work

* The exact equipment which has been made dead and it's location 

* Points of isolation

* where conductors are earthed

* Where warning notices are posted

* Nature of work

* Presence of any other source of hazard

* Further precaution to be taken during course of work

41. What are the precautions for PTW of Confined space?

* Test the atmosphere for presence of toxic and flammable gases and oxygen levels

* Check competency of workers

* Clean work area to remove residue 

* Isolate mechanical and electrical equipments 

* Ensure ventilation 

* Use of special tools and PPE'S 

* Adequate Lighting to avoid strain

* Ensure obstacle free access and egress

* Emergency rescue and fire fighting arrangements and communication methods.

42. What are the things to be included in Emergency Procedures with reference to HSG268?

* Consider what might happen and how alarm will be raised. Include shift working, weekends and holidays when premise is closed.

* Plan what to do, including how to call emergency services. Clearly mark your premise along with storage place for hazardous materials.

* If more than 25 tons of Hazardous material is stored, notify fire and rescue team to put warning signs.

* Decide where to go to reach a place of safety (assembly point) or to get rescue equipments.

* Provide suitable emergency lighting.

* Sufficient Emergency exits to be provided to enable everyone escape quickly.

* Emergency routes and doors to be kept unobstructed and clearly marked.

* Nominate competent people to take control.

* Decide key people like incident controller, technical person, first aiders, fire and rescue team.

* Plan essential actions like emergency shutdown, isolation to make process safe.

* Training everyone including disable and vulnerable people in emergency procedures.

* Work should not resume after an emergency if a serious danger remains.

43. Why people needs to be trained in emergency procedures?

* To ensure everyone knows what to do when there is emergency.

* To enable them become familiar with protective actions for life safety like evacuation, shelter, shelter in place, lockdown.

* Review protective actions for life safety and conduct evacuation drills.

* To develop their awareness and understanding of specific hazards and risks associated with their jobs and working environment.

* Develop awareness among vulnerable people like visitors about alarm patterns and actions to be taken.

* Quick and effective actions will help ease the situation quickly and reduce the consequences.

44. Why emergency procedures needs to be tested?

Emergency procedures needs to be tested by mock drills to understand:

* Is the emergency procedure working as planned?

* Have people at all levels understood their roles and responsibilities?

* Did emergency staff operate the emergency equipments correctly?

* Did emergency equipments function as desired?

45. What needs to be considered when deciding on First Aid needs in a workplace?

* General risk level of the workplace.

* Accident history of the organization.

* Number of workers in the workplace.

* Work patterns and shift systems.

* Presence of vulnerable people. Organization will large number of lone workers may provide portable first aid kit to each one of them.

* Geographical location of the workplace. Distance from nearest hospital.

* Spread of workplace to determine how far worker need to travel before they receive first aid.

* Specific activities like chemical handling which may require eye wash and body showers.