The fourth quadrant of the PDCA cycle includes the sub-parts of reviewing performance and learning lessons. Reviewing Performance Carrying out reviews will confirm whether health and safety arrangements still make sense. For example: check the validity of the health and safety policy; ensure the system in place for managing health and safety is effective. An … Read more
The third quadrant of the PDCA cycle includes the sub-parts of measuring performance and investigating incidents. Measuring Performance Checking that risks are being managed in an organisation is a vital, sometimes overlooked step. It provides the confidence that it is doing enough to keep on top of health and safety and maybe show how it … Read more
The second quadrant of the PDCA cycle includes the sub-parts of risk profiling, organising and implementing. Risk Profiling Effective leaders and line managers know the risks their organisations face, rank them in order of importance and act to control them. The range of risks goes beyond health and safety risks to include quality, environmental and … Read more
The first quadrant of the PDCA cycle includes the sub-parts of policy and planning. Policy An important part of achieving effective health and safety outcomes is having a strategy and making clear plans. An organisation needs to think about what they are going to do to manage health and safety, then decide who is going … Read more
The enforcement of health and safety depends on the main activity undertaken. The Health and Safety Executive typically enforces at higher risk workplaces such as construction sites and factories. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) enforces on the railways. Local Authorities (usually Environmental Health Officers) enforce at lower risk premises such as retailers, offices … Read more
At a fundamental level, employers are required to provide: • safe and suitable plant and equipment• safe systems of work, with adequate supervision and instruction• safe premises, including safe access and egress• safe and competent employees The basis of British health and safety law is the Health and Safety at Work Act, which is known as primary legislation and sets out … Read more
Consider an accident where an apprentice carpenter cuts off his fingers using an unguarded band saw. He may well take civil action against his employer, blaming the employer for negligently causing his injury (by not fitting a guard to the saw) and seeking compensation (referred to as damages) for his loss. If the civil courts … Read more