Human Factors in Health & Safety

Human factors involved in the effective management of health & safety; plays important roles in ensuring staff have a safe environment to work. 

human-factorsThis should be led from the top of the company organisation, with directors, proprietors and senior staff setting the correct attitude towards effective health & safety practice.

Human factors are concerned with what people are being asked to do (the task and its characteristics), who is doing it (the individual and their competence) and where they are working (the organisation and its attributes), all of which are influenced by the wider societal concern, both local and national.

 


 

The two HSE cases this week both look at tragic accidents that shouldn’t have happened

  • Greg Pearson repeatedly put the lives of other workers and members of the public at risk.
  • The Court heard that Karl Locher did not have any asbestos awareness training.

As ever, if you have a subject that you would like us to cover one week, please contact us by phone 01458 253682, email or via our Facebook page or by Twitter.


 

The Wilkins Safety Group has been shortlisted for the prestigious APS (Association for Project Safety) 2015 Architectural Project of the year Award. The awards are a demonstration of excellence in Design and Construction Health and Safety Risk Management (CDM).

The Wilkins Safety Group, who are acting as the Construction, Design & Management (CDM2015) regulatory Principal Designers are part of a top project team working on the very beautiful Dyrham Park, near Bath which is owned by the National Trust.

We will know if we have been part of the winning team at the Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday 7 October to be held in Edinburgh. So please wish us, and the rest of the team, good luck.


 

Human Factors in Health & Safety

Human factors involved in the effective management of health & safety, plays an important role in ensuring staff have a safe environment to work.  This should be led from the top of the company organisation, with directors, proprietors and senior staff setting the correct attitude towards effective health & safety practice.

We had one incident very recently, where we were asked to undertake an audit of a company to identify areas on non-compliance. To cut a long story very short, the company had nothing in place. The company manager asked about our services and decided to accept our proposal to assist (would have cost them about £40.00 per week to use us).  It was left with them, for the senior director to make the decision and guess what???

Even though they had nothing in place, no training, risk assessments, policies, audits or procedures, and had not had since they started 8 years ago, the director thought he could do it himself from scratch.  Needless to say, we doubt that after all this time in business he will implement any of the stuff necessary for even basic compliance. It will take a serious accident or mishap, with a member of his staff or the public to happen, then he will start counting the cost in fines, awards and human misery.

Unfortunately this ‘money attitude’ affects a lot of companies and yet it does not take a lot of finance to achieve compliance.  We tell all clients that the choice is theirs to make:

  1. They can do it all in-house, the basic information and guidance is free from the HSE, our web sites and other leading authorities in health and safety.
  2. They can utilise the services of an external consultancy (like The Wilkins Safety Group), they should look for one that has the necessary experience and qualifications for their industry – and not sign unrealistic agreements for 3-5 years.
  3. They can do nothing and remain in the status-quo of ignorant bliss, hoping nothing ever goes wrong, that there are never any accidents and they never get a visit from the local inspector.

Obviously we do not advocate or even suggest any company takes option 3, hence the reason this week’s newsletter is concentrating on Human Factors involved in safety.

Introduction to human factors

Reducing error and influencing behaviour (HSG48) is the key document in understanding HSE’s approach to human factors. It gives a simple introduction to generic industry guidance on human factors, which it defines as:Human Factors

“Human factors refer to environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics, which influence behaviour at work in a way which can affect health and safety”

This definition includes three interrelated aspects that must be considered: the job, the individual and the organisation:

  • The job:  including areas such as the nature of the task, workload, the working environment, the design of displays and controls, and the role of procedures. Tasks should be designed in accordance with ergonomic principles to take account of both human limitations and strengths. This includes matching the job to the physical and the mental strengths and limitations of people. Mental aspects would include perceptual, attention and decision making requirements.
  • The individual: including his/her competence, skills, personality, attitude, and risk perception. Individual characteristics influence behaviour in complex ways. Some characteristics such as personality are fixed; others such as skills and attitudes may be changed or enhanced.
  • The organisation: including work patterns, the culture of the workplace, resources, communications, leadership and so on. Such factors are often overlooked during the design of jobs but have a significant influence on individual and group behaviour.

In other words, human factors are concerned with what people are being asked to do (the task and its characteristics), who is doing it (the individual and their competence) and where they are working (the organisation and its attributes), all of which are influenced by the wider societal concern, both local and national.

Human factors interventions will not be effective if they consider these aspects in isolation. The scope of what we mean by human factors includes organisational systems and is considerably broader than traditional views of human factors/ergonomics. Human factors can, and should, be included within a good safety management system and so can be examined in a similar way to any other risk control system.

Categorising human failure

It is important to remember that human failures are not random, there are patterns to them. It is worth knowing about the different failure types because they have different causes and influencing factors and as a consequence Human Errorthe ways of preventing or reducing the failures are similarly different.

There are three types of human failures (unsafe acts) that may lead to major accidents:

  1. Unintentional errors: Errors (slips/lapses) are “actions that were not as planned” (unintended actions). These can occur during a familiar task e.g. omissions like forgetting to do something, which is particularly relevant to repair, maintenance, calibration or testing. These are unlikely to be eliminated by training and need to be designed out.
  2. Mistakes are also errors, but errors of judgement or decision-making (“intended actions are wrong”) – where we do the wrong thing believing it to be right. These can appear in situations where behaviour is based on remembered rules or familiar procedures or unfamiliar situations where decisions are formed from first principles and lead to misdiagnoses or miscalculations. Training is the key to avoiding mistakes.
  3. Intentional errors: Violations differ from the above in that they are intentional (but usually well-meaning) failures, such as taking a short-cut or non-compliance with procedures e.g. deliberate deviations from the rules or procedures. They are rarely wilful (e.g. sabotage) and usually result from an intention to get the job done despite the consequences. Violations may be situational, routine, exceptional or malicious as outlined below.
  • Routine violations: a behaviour in opposition to a rule, procedure, or instruction that has become the normal way of behaving within the person’s peer/work group.
  • Exceptional violations: these violations are rare and happen only in unusual and particular circumstances, often when something goes wrong in unpredicted circumstances e.g. during an emergency situation.
  • Situational violations: these violations occur as a result of factors dictated by the worker’s immediate work space or environment (physical or organisational).
  • Acts of sabotage: these are self-explanatory although the causes are complex – ranging from vandalism by a de-motivated employee to terrorism.

There are several ways to manage violations, including taking steps to increase their detection, ensuring that rules and procedures are relevant/practical and explaining the rationale behind certain rules. Involving the workforce in drawing up rules increases their acceptance. Getting to the root cause of any violation is the key to understanding and hence preventing the violation.

The HSE hand-out outlines Human Failure Types  in more detail, along with examples and typical control measures.

The likelihood of these human failures is determined by the condition of a finite number of ‘performing influencing factors’, such as distraction, time pressure, workload, competence, morale, noise levels and communication systems. Given that these factors influencing human performance can be identified, assessed and managed, potential human failures can also be predicted and managed. In short, human failures are not random events.

The key message here is that human errors and rule breaking are largely predictable and therefore, can be identified and, most importantly, managed. We should seek to encourage industry to tackle error reduction in a structured and proactive way, with as much rigour as the technical aspects of safety and make it an integrated part of their safety management system.

One of the Key Topics, Managing Human Failures, includes a 7-step approach to identifying and managing human failures that many organisations have found useful.

Managing human failures: Common pitfalls

There is more to managing human failure in complex systems than simply considering the actions of individual operators. However, there is obvious merit in managing the performance of the personnel who play an important role in preventing and controlling major incidents, as long as the context in which this behaviour occurs is also considered.

There are several mistakes that major hazard sites commonly make when assessing human performance. These include:

  • Treating operators as if they are superhuman, able to intervene heroically in emergencies,Forklift Truck
  • Providing precise probabilities of human failure (usually indicating very low chance of failure) without documenting assumptions/data sources,
  • Assuming that an operator will always be present, detect a problem and immediately take appropriate action,
  • Assuming that people will always follow procedures,
  • Stating that operators are well-trained, when it is not clear how the training provided relates to major accident hazard prevention or control and without understanding that training will not affect the prevention of slips/lapses or violations, only mistakes,
  • Stating that operators are highly motivated and thus not prone to unintentional failures or deliberate violations,
  • Ignoring the human component completely, failing to discuss human performance at all in risk assessments, leading to the impression that the site is unmanned,
  • Inappropriate application of techniques, such as detailing every task on site and therefore losing sight of targeting resources where they will be most effective,
  • Producing grand motherhood statements that human error is completely managed (without stating exactly how).

Companies should consider whether any of the above applies to how their organisation manages human factors.

If you have any topic you would like us to cover in this newsletter  please contact us by phone 01458 253682 or email.


 

Training Courses

We have three courses set up, one in Bridgwater on 14th October and 2 in Glasgow but these are all fully booked.

However we are running the following courses:

EMERGENCY FIRST-AID AT WORK – ONE-DAY COURSE

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure they provide adequately trained persons to cover their First-aid requirements. The following course has been approved and recognised by the HSE as meeting the basic requirements set by the regulations.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

  • Smaller companies First Aid CPR
  • Offices and shops with less than 50 employees and other low risk environments
  • Employees working off site
  • Self-employed people
  • Anyone who wants to learn first aid and assist in an emergency situation.

SYLLABUS

  • First Aid Kits
  • How to manage an incident
  • Treating an unconscious casualty
  • Resuscitation and CPR
  • Asthma
  • Choking
  • Chest Pains
  • Seizures
  • Bleeding
  • Shock
  • Burns and Scalds
  • Care and Communication
  • Open Forum

Course Duration:  1 day

COURSE REF                                DATE(s)                                                LOCATION

WSG. EFA . 1502                                    Thursday 15th October 2015                                                Taunton Racecourse

Fee: £120 to include Course notes, mid-morning & afternoon refreshments, Finger buffet lunch and a Certificate of Training   (Fee subject to VAT)

 

 

 

 


CDM Regulations 2015 – For the Smaller Builder

Course Objective

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) come into force on the 6th of April 2015, and will apply to all construction projects in the UK incl. Domestic projects

This CDM 2015 awareness training course has been developed to provide smaller builders and tradesmen, especially those who haven’t dealt with CDM before, with an understanding of their role and responsibilities under CDM 2015.

Seminar Outline

  • Overview of the Industry accident rateCDM Regulations 2015
  • The Legal framework
  • Enforcement
  • Risk Assessment
  • CDM 2015 and the duty holders: Client, PD, Designers
  • Principal Contractors duties
  • Contractors duties
  • Construction Phase Plan
  • Site Safety Management

Benefits of Attending

This course give an overview of the requirements for smaller builders and domestic clients and how the regulations apply to all construction projects from minor repairs and decorating works through to building a new house for a domestic client.

 

Course Duration: 1/2 day – Morning   09.30 – 12.30

COURSE REF                                DATE(s)                                                LOCATION

CDM2015 1508                                       Tuesday 20th October 2015                                                 Taunton Racecourse

Fee: £80 to include Course notes, Coffee on arrival & mid-morning refreshments and a Certificate of Training   (Fee subject to VAT)

 

 

 

 


 

ASBESTOS AWARENESS – Half-Day Course

Course Objective – Training /CPD Certificate issued

Asbestos awareness training is essential for employees whose work holds the potential to expose them to asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 puts a requirement on employers to ensure that their staff have undergone suitable asbestos awareness training so that they are aware of the potential dangers they may face and also the procedures they must follow in the event they are working in the vicinity of asbestos containing materials (ACMs)

Who Is This Course Suitable For?Asbestos Training

The main groups of workers that are deemed to be at risk from asbestos exposure and therefore the groups most requiring asbestos awareness training are as follows:

  • General Maintenance Staff.
  • Electricians, Plumbers & Gas Fitters. Painters & Decorators.
  • Construction & Demolition Workers. Joiners and Plasterers.
  • Computing & Telecommunications Engineers.
  • Heating & Ventilation Engineers.
  • Roofers.
  • Architects & Building Surveyors
  • Fire & Burglar Alarm Installers

Syllabus

  • Asbestos- a  history of use
  • What is Asbestos
  • Amosite (Brown) – Chrysotile (White) – Crocidolite (Blue)asbestos types
  • Asbestos Containing Product Examples
  • Asbestos Properties and the hidden legacy of asbestos
  • Control of Asbestos Regs and Requirements
  • Exactly who is at risk
  • Action to take on discovery and Survey and Recording

 

Course Duration: ½ day – Afternoon 13.30 – 16.30

COURSE REF                                DATE(s)                         LOCATION

ASBESTA 1503                                           Tuesday 20th October 2015                  Taunton Racecourse,

Fee: £65 to include Course notes, Coffee/Tea on arrival & mid-morning refreshments, CPD Certificate of Training (Fee subject to VAT)

 

 


 

HABC Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace

Course Objective – Training /CPD Certificate issued

This qualification is suitable for directors, managers and supervisors who will gain an understanding of their responsibility for health and safety within their organisation; for those wishing to further their knowledge on the subject; or for those recently acquiring health and safety responsibilities within an organisation.

Course OutlineJon Wilkins Training

  • Understanding the requirements for health, safety and welfare in the workplace,
  • The benefits of using a safety management system,
  • The principles of risk assessment,
  • An understanding the risks and control methods for common workplace hazards.

Benefits of Attending

By the end of the training, delegates should have acquired the knowledge and understanding to undertake the assessment paper.

The HABC Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (QCF) is accredited and recognised internationally. highfield

Qualification is assessed by a multiple-choice examination, where the candidate must answer at least 40 out of 60 questions correctly. A Merit is awarded to candidates scoring 50 or more. The examination will take a maximum of 2 hours to complete

Course Duration: 3 days (1 day a week for 3 weeks)

COURSE REF                           DATE(s)                                                  LOCATION

HABC3 1501                              15th / 23rd / 29th October 2015                                              Taunton Racecourse

Fee: £660 to include Course notes, exams, mid-morning & afternoon refreshments, a buffet lunch on each day and the appropriate Certificate of Training (Fees subject to VAT)

 

 

 


 

FIRST-AID AT WORK 3-DAY COURSE

All employers in the UK have a legal obligation to make first aid provision for their employees. This course is ideal for those who are going to be a nominated First Aider in the workplace. This three day course meets the statutory requirements of the Health & Safety Executive. Candidates must be of a working age and intend to practice first aid in the workplace during the validity of the certificate.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?First-Aid at work

  • Smaller companies
  • Offices and shops with less than 50 employees and other low risk environments
  • Employees working off site
  • Self-employed people
  • Anyone who wants to learn first aid and assist in an emergency situation.

SYLLABUS

  • Health & Safety Responsibilities
  • Managing an Incident
  • Priorities of First Aid
  • Managing an Unconscious Casualty
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Bleeding
  • Shock
  • Choking
  • Hyperventilation
  • Asthma
  • Low Blood Sugar
  • Head Injuries
  • Epilepsy
  • Chest Pains
  • Eye Injuries
  • Injuries to bones, muscles and joints
  • Burns & Scalds
  • Moving Casualties
  • Poisons, Gases & Fumes
  • Care and Communication

Course Duration: 3 Days

COURSE REF                                DATE(s)                                                LOCATION

WSG. FA . 1501                                   28th/29th/30th October 2015                                                          Taunton Racecourse

Fee: £360 to include Course notes, mid-morning & afternoon refreshments, Finger buffet lunch on each day and a Certificate of Training   (Fee subject to VAT)

 

 

 


 

CDM Regulations 2015 – The Management of Pre-Construction Health and Safety

Course Objective – Training /CPD and APS Certificates issued

This 3 day course, which is accredited by the APS, is aimed at all CDM 2015 duty holders and those involved in construction planning, design and management. It has been developed to guide you through the regulatory requirements and practical implementation of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.

The course has been designed to advise Clients, Principal Designers, Designers, Principal Contractors and contractors on how they can ensure compliance with CDM 2015. It focuses on the duty holder roles for application of the regulations to construction projects in the Pre-Construction Phase. It is also aimed at construction safety professionals and CDM Advisors, Project Managers, Facilities Managers and any other construction professionals that have a duty to comply with CDM 2015

Seminar Outline Management of Pre-Construction Health and Safety

  • Historical background for changes
  • Notification
  • Client Duties and Domestic Clients
  • Principal Designer Duties
  • Principal Contractor Duties
  • Expectations of the HSE
  • CDM Documentation

Benefits of Attending

You will have an insight into the intentions and implications of CDM 2015 for duty holders in the Pre-Construction Phase and the detailed requirements for discharging health and safety coordination duties.

An individual who successfully completes this CDM2015 Awareness Course may claim points towards membership of the Association for Project Safety – APS CDM 2015 APS logo

Course Duration: 3 days (1 day a week for 3 weeks)

COURSE REF                                DATE(s)                                                        LOCATION

CDM2015/3 1501                            Tuesdays 3rd/10th/17th November 2015                                           Taunton Racecourse

Fee: £660 to include Course notes, exams, mid-morning & afternoon refreshments, a buffet lunch on each day and the appropriate Certificate of Training (Fee subject to VAT).

 

 

For more information and to book and pay on line please visit our training page.

If you have any questions about these courses or any other training or would like us to run a particular course for you, call Jon Wilkins of the Wilkins Safety Group on 01458 253682 or email him.

 

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