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Health

anc1safety

Founaations
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Accident Definition: an unwanted, unforeseen, unplanned

event which results in a loss of some kind

Incident/near miss: an unwanted, unforeseen, unplanned

event that had the potential to result in a loss

Acute: resulting from a single or short-term exposure.

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producing an immediate effect, which is usually reversible,

e.g. intoxication by solvent vapours leading to suppression
of the nervous system, e.g. car spraying

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Chronic: resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure

producing a gradual effect that may be unrecognised for a
number of years and is often irreversible, e.g. the long-term
effects of exposure to asbestos causing asbestosis

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Hazard: something with the potential to cause harm

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

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HIDDEN COSTS OF ACCIDENTS

Reduced Insurance premiums

Accident investigation

Reduced fines and compensation claims

Payments for non productive time

(injured persons)

Payments for non productive time

(witnesses, First-aiders investigators,
clearing up etc.)
Replacement labour (probably less
effective)

Training for replacement labour

Business interruption/disruption

Loss of reputation

Damage repair

Replacement plant

Compensation payments

Legal costs and fees

Insurance

Law: Civil and Criminal

Aims:
Civil: The aim of civil law is to compensate an
injured party for loss as a consequence of an
accident or ill health

Criminal: The aim of criminal law is to punish

and deter individuals/Organisations from
behaving in a way that society has decide
is unacceptable and is considered a crime
against society and is prosecuted by the state.

Fault Liability
There was a duty of care owed to the injured
party
The duty of care was breached (negligence)
The breach caused the injury or loss

BENEFITS OF GOOD HEALTH AND

SAFETY PRACTICE
(also benefits of a positive safety culture
Element 4):
Increased levels of compliance with
rules and procedures
Improved production
Improved staff morale
Improved company reputation

Reduced accidents

Reduced Ill health

Reduced damage to equipment

Reduced staff complaints

Reduced absenteeism

Reduced staff turnover

Employer to provide
Safe plant and equipment
Safe systems of work
Competent staff
Adequate supervision
Adequate instruction
Safe buildings
Safe environment

Variation of Legislation between

countries caused by:
Different legislative systems
Powers granted to the Enforcing Authority

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Funding, number and authority of Enforcing

Authority

Consultants and specialists

Insurance companies

Ability and knowledge of the Enforcing

Authority
Level of reporting to enforcing Authority
Different penalties for breaches
Religious beliefs and cultural issues
Public reaction and interest
Political pressure

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
INTERNAL:
Risk assessments
Policies
Inspection reports
Medical records
Health and safety committees
Plant registers
Safety advisors

EXTERNAL:

Government bodies

National safety organisations

Suppliers and manufacturers

Successful Management Systems

1) Policy: health and safety aims of the
organisation, health and safety
objectives and management
commitment
2) Organising: clear roles and
responsibilities, 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: 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 organisation's
management systems and procedures

International standards

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