a specifi c reduction in the number of accidents, incidents and cases of work-related ill-health (perhaps to zero) a reduction in the level

of sickness absence a specifi c increase in the number of employees trained in health and safety an increase in the reporting of minor accidents and near miss incidents a reduction in the number of civil claims no enforcement notices from the HSE or Local Authority a specifi c improvement in health and safety audit Scores.

The role of the health and safety adviser is to provide specialist information to managers in the organization and to monitor the effectiveness of health and safety procedures. The adviser is not responsible for health and safety or its implementation; that is the role of the line managers. 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, fi rst aid procedures for undertaking risk assessments control of exposure to specifi c 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 monitoring procedures including health and safety inspections and audits procedures for the control and safety of contractors and visitors provision of welfare facilities training procedures and arrangements catering and food hygiene procedures arrangements for consultation with employees terms of reference and constitution of the safety committee procedures and arrangements for waste disposal It is apparent, however, that some health and safety policies appear to be less than successful. There are many reasons for this. The most common are:

the statements in the policy and the health and safety priorities are not understood by or properly communicated to the workforce minimal resources are made available for the implementation of the policy too much emphasis on rules for employees and too little on management policy a lack of parity with other activities of the organization (such as fi nance and quality control) due to mistaken concerns about the costs of health and safety and the effect of those costs on overall performance. This attitude produces a poor health and safety culture lack of senior management involvement in health and safety, particularly at board level employee concerns that their health and safety issues not being addressed or that they are not receiving adequate health and safety information. This can lead to low morale amongst the workforce and, possibly, high absenteeism high labour turnover inadequate personal protective equipment unsafe and poorly maintained machinery and equipment a lack of health and safety monitoring procedures. Does it say who is responsible for the following matters (including deputies where appropriate)? reporting investigations and recording accidents fi re precautions, fi re drill, evacuation procedures fi rst aid safety inspections the training programme ensuring that legal requirements are met, for example, regular testing of lifts and notifying accidents to the health and safety inspector.

Arrangements that need to be considered Keeping the workplace, including staircases, fl oors, ways in and out, washrooms, etc. in a safe and clean condition by cleaning, maintenance and repair The requirements of the Work at Height Regulations Any suitable and suffi cient risk assessments. Plant and substances Maintenance of equipment such as tools, ladders, etc. Are they in a safe condition? Maintenance and proper use of safety equipment such as helmets, boots, goggles, respirators, etc. Maintenance and proper use of plant, machinery and guards. Regular testing and maintenance of lifts, hoists, cranes, pressure systems, boilers and other dangerous machinery, emergency repair work, and safe methods of doing it.

Maintenance of electrical installations and equipment. Safe storage, handling and, where applicable, packaging, labelling and transport of dangerous substances. Controls of work involving harmful substances such as lead and asbestos. The introduction of new plant, equipment or substances into the workplace by examination, testing and consultation with the workforce.

Other hazards Noise problems wearing of hearing protection, and control of noise at source Vibration problems hand-arm and whole-body control techniques and personal protection Preventing unnecessary or unauthorized entry into hazardous areas Lifting of heavy or awkward loads Protecting the safety of employees against assault when handling or transporting the employer s money or valuables Special hazards to employees when working on unfamiliar sites, including discussion with site manager where necessary Control of works transport, e.g. fork lift trucks by restricting use to experienced and authorized operators or operators under instruction (which should deal fully with safety aspects). Emergencies Ensuring that fi re exits are marked, unlocked and free from obstruction Maintenance and testing of fi re-fi ghting equipment, fi re drills and evacuation procedures First aid, including name and location of person responsible for fi rst aid and deputy, and location of fi rst aid box. Communication Giving your employees information about the general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and specifi c legal requirements relating to their work. Giving employees necessary information about substances, plant, machinery, and equipment with which they come into contact. Discussing with contractors, before they come on site, how they plan to do their job, whether they need any equipment from your organization to help them, whether they can operate either in a segregated area or only when part of the plant is shut down and, if not, what hazards they may create for your employees and vice versa. Training Training employees, supervisors and managers to enable them to work safely and to carry out their health and safety responsibilities effi ciently. Supervising

Supervising employees so far as necessary for their safety especially young workers, new employees and employees carrying out unfamiliar tasks.

Keeping Check Regular inspections and checks of the workplace, machinery appliances and working methods.