What are the most effective things
you can do to control safety? |
This question was raised in a study reported in Safety Science
Researchers headed by Dr. Stephen Gaustello studied a large number of research reports on safety programs and their effectiveness, all of which appeared in scientific peer-review journals, over a period of fifteen years.
Here is a brief description of the various approaches, ranked according to their effectiveness:
The human element—developing safe behaviors. Employees are given regular training, reminders and heightened awareness regarding safe and at-risk behaviors. They are also given feedback concerning the frequency of safe versus at-risk behaviors. The training is supported with continuous and consistent messages in the form of posters, bulletins and other visual stimulation relating to safety. Some of these programs include goal setting, incentives, measurement of results.
Reliability engineering examines the overall system—every facet of the operation from order entry, through design, work planning, every stage of production to final completion and delivery to the customer. It considers the reliability and safety of tools and equipment; it focuses on safe work practices and procedures; it puts measurement tools in place to make sure that workers consistently follow approved practices and procedures.
The rationale behind reliability engineering is that if you use the proper equipment, maintain it in continuously safe condition, and always follow approved safe working procedures, the system will function reliably, production and quality will be maintained, and almost as a by-product, the chances of injury will be eliminated.
Reliability engineering looks at the way in which the system is maintained so that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent a break- down. It applies "predictive maintenance" so that components are serviced or replaced before they are expected to wear out or break down, procedures are checked and adjusted regularly before they may be changed or short-cut through human intervention or error.
Such concepts as behavior-based safety training (and indeed safety training and awareness) can and should be incorporated in reliability engineering.
Comprehensive ergonomics. An ergonomics approach to safety adjusts working conditions or equipment to reduce the frequency or chance of an environmental hazard or at-risk behavior. Important parts of this program are the assessment by employees of working conditions, and an insistence on near-miss reporting. This should lead to specific recommendations to eliminate hazards that put workers at risk.
Engineering changes. There is always a better way to do it. There is invariably a safer way too. Engineering seeks constantly to improve processes and provide greater worker protection.
Group problem solving. In this approach, personnel meet voluntarily to discuss safety issues and develop action plans for improvement.
Management audits. Designated managers are trained to administer the program. The audit covers a wide range of activities including leadership and administration, regular inspections, task observations, employee training, accident investigation and comprehensive safety rules.
Personnel selection. This approach to injury prevention is based on the notion of "accident proneness", and has been
seen as a quick-fix to improving injury rates. The strategy is to identify those at risk from among job applicants and screen out those deemed likely to contribute to lost-time injuries.
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