Human Human Resource Resource Management:Management:

Lecture 6Lecture 6

Health and SafetyHealth and Safety

Definitions (1)Definitions (1)1.1. Safety:Safety:

‘… ‘… absence from danger and avoidance of injury.’absence from danger and avoidance of injury.’

2.2. Health:Health:‘…‘…being physically and mentally well with body and mind in being physically and mentally well with body and mind in excellent working order.’excellent working order.’Not only is the employer expected not to harm or injure the employees, but he Not only is the employer expected not to harm or injure the employees, but he also should seek to promote activities that encourage the good health of also should seek to promote activities that encourage the good health of employees!employees!

3.3. Welfare:Welfare:A very simple definition is, ‘…wellbeing’ however…variants A very simple definition is, ‘…wellbeing’ however…variants are evident:are evident:

1.1. Emotional/psychologicalEmotional/psychological2.2. PhysicalPhysical

Definitions (2)Definitions (2)4.4. Hazard: Hazard:

Something that could cause harm to someoneSomething that could cause harm to someone‘‘A situation of risk or danger;A situation of risk or danger; A situation which may give rise to personal A situation which may give rise to personal injury.’ (Stranks, 1994)injury.’ (Stranks, 1994)

5.5. Risk:Risk:‘‘The chances of a hazard actually resulting in The chances of a hazard actually resulting in harm to someone.’harm to someone.’The employer is to perform risk assessment for each job post in The employer is to perform risk assessment for each job post in the companythe company

HRM and the H & S at WorkHRM and the H & S at Work

In lay terms this is about…In lay terms this is about…

COMPLIANCECOMPLIANCE

also it is aboutalso it is about

STRATEGIC INTEGRATIONSTRATEGIC INTEGRATIONAndAnd

- Increasing employee morale and motivation- Increasing employee morale and motivation- Maximizing efficiency and enhancing - Maximizing efficiency and enhancing

performanceperformance- Reducing costs caused by absence- Reducing costs caused by absence

Via an appropriate ‘Via an appropriate ‘cultureculture’’

CommitmentCommitment from the top, from the top, plusplus

Organisational commitmentOrganisational commitment

Managerial ‘demonstration’Managerial ‘demonstration’

Resource backing Resource backing

‘‘Risk assessment’ targetingRisk assessment’ targeting

Global responsibility Global responsibility

H&S designed H&S designed policiespolicies and and proceduresprocedures

How to achieve compliance?How to achieve compliance?

Health and Safety: A case of Health and Safety: A case of philosophical conflict?philosophical conflict?

Consequences of Consequences of non-compliance (Lower Courts):non-compliance (Lower Courts):

A fine of up to £20,000,A fine of up to £20,000, Six month in jailSix month in jail

……bothboth

Consequences of Consequences of non-compliance (Higher Courts):non-compliance (Higher Courts):

An An unlimitedunlimited fine, fine, TwoTwo years in jail years in jail

……bothboth

Health and Safety: A case of Health and Safety: A case of philosophical conflict?philosophical conflict?

Approximately 500 people KILLED Approximately 500 people KILLED each yeareach year

Several Several hundred thousand injured/suffer ill healthinjured/suffer ill health

……approximate total cost in excess approximate total cost in excess of of

hundred thousandhundred thousand

£4,000,000,000 a year!£4,000,000,000 a year!

Other consequences of Other consequences of non-compliancenon-compliance

HOW?HOW?

Understanding riskUnderstanding risk Hazard evaluationHazard evaluation Assessing risk(s)Assessing risk(s) ActioningActioning Monitor and Monitor and

evaluationevaluation

via:via:

H&S AuditsH&S Audits H&S inspectionsH&S inspections Occupational Health Occupational Health

programmesprogrammes Stress managementStress management Accident preventionAccident prevention Bullying preventionBullying prevention Measuring H&S Measuring H&S

performanceperformance CommunicationCommunication TrainingTraining

Health and Safety ProcessesHealth and Safety Processes

H&S, why ‘train’?H&S, why ‘train’?

Operational cost?

Human costs?(also see next slide)

Opportunity cost lost?

Financial cost?

Stakeholder cost?

…training as a facilitator…

Here are some indicative costs…

H&S, why ‘train’?H&S, why ‘train’?

•Trust•Abilities•Skills •Knowledge •Commitment•‘Culture’•Socialization (also, see next slide)

Here are two main themes…

plus

•Stakeholder interests?•Margins/profit•Corporate ‘desirability’•Consumer perception etc

1. Socio…

2. Economic…

Training and Cultural Socialization: Training and Cultural Socialization: Avoiding the Induction “crisis”Avoiding the Induction “crisis”

Unconsciously incompetent

Consciously incompetent

Consciously competent

Unconsciously competent

(Recap, L2 HRM core unit.)

Health and Safety at Work Act Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974(HASAWA) 1974

AIM: to provide a comprehensive system of law which AIM: to provide a comprehensive system of law which would raise standards of safety and health for all would raise standards of safety and health for all persons at work and also protect members of the public persons at work and also protect members of the public who might be affected by their actions.who might be affected by their actions.

Protection of everyone at work, incl. customers or even Protection of everyone at work, incl. customers or even passers-bypassers-by

Partnership approach towards health and safety Partnership approach towards health and safety between government, employers, employees and unionsbetween government, employers, employees and unions

Involvement and education of small businesses Involvement and education of small businesses

H&S Legislative instrumentsH&S Legislative instruments

Health and Safety Commission (HSC): Health and Safety Commission (HSC): independent body responsible for carrying out the policy of the Act and for independent body responsible for carrying out the policy of the Act and for providing advice to local authorities and other on how to implement the providing advice to local authorities and other on how to implement the provisions of the Act. Reports to the Parliament.provisions of the Act. Reports to the Parliament.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Health and Safety Executive (HSE): three three

people assisting the HSC, plus 4 000 policy advisors, inspectors and people assisting the HSC, plus 4 000 policy advisors, inspectors and experts in medicine, science and technology. Concerned more with the experts in medicine, science and technology. Concerned more with the hazard-prone industries. It fulfils three main purposes:hazard-prone industries. It fulfils three main purposes:

Helps people to understand the law by explaining it in a clear wayHelps people to understand the law by explaining it in a clear way Ensures that employers comply with lawEnsures that employers comply with law Provides rather more specialist adviceProvides rather more specialist advice

Local authority inspectorsLocal authority inspectors (environmental health (environmental health

officers), responsible mainly for H&S in the services sector.officers), responsible mainly for H&S in the services sector.

The enforcing authoritiesThe enforcing authorities

Both HSE and the local officers have the power to:Both HSE and the local officers have the power to: Enter employer’s premisesEnter employer’s premises Carry out inspections/investigationsCarry out inspections/investigations Take materials or equipment on to premisesTake materials or equipment on to premises Take measurements, photographs or recordingsTake measurements, photographs or recordings Examine books and documentsExamine books and documents Issue improvement notices (or give informal advice)Issue improvement notices (or give informal advice) Issue prohibition notices (deferred notice)Issue prohibition notices (deferred notice)

Principles of investigationPrinciples of investigation

ProportionalityProportionality: severity of actions taken : severity of actions taken should correspond to the level of risk and should correspond to the level of risk and the seriousness of the breach of lawthe seriousness of the breach of law

TargetingTargeting: those who cause the most : those who cause the most serious risk or fail to control hazard should serious risk or fail to control hazard should be targeted by the inspectorsbe targeted by the inspectors

ConsistencyConsistency: treat everyone in consistently : treat everyone in consistently fair wayfair way

TransparencyTransparency: clear actions, explanations: clear actions, explanations

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Employer shall ensure:Employer shall ensure:

- that workplace itself is safe, the - that workplace itself is safe, the equipment has been maintained equipment has been maintained correctly and work is safely correctly and work is safely organizedorganized

- that accidents don’t occur because - that accidents don’t occur because of incorrect handling, storage or of incorrect handling, storage or transportation within the transportation within the workplaceworkplace

- that there is training, supervision - that there is training, supervision and information regarding H&Sand information regarding H&S

- that there are safe ways to get in - that there are safe ways to get in and out of the work premisesand out of the work premises

- that welfare provisions are - that welfare provisions are adequate adequate

Employees shall:Employees shall:

- take responsibility of their own - take responsibility of their own H&S, and of their co-workers H&S, and of their co-workers H&S which might be H&S which might be threatened by their actions or threatened by their actions or failure to actfailure to act

- not to recklessly interfere with or - not to recklessly interfere with or misuse any machinery, misuse any machinery, equipment or processequipment or process

- cooperate with employers about - cooperate with employers about H&S initiatives (for ex. Wear H&S initiatives (for ex. Wear protective clothing, follow H&S protective clothing, follow H&S instructions)instructions)

Safety RepresentativesSafety Representatives Appointed by any recognized trade union or elected by the Appointed by any recognized trade union or elected by the

workforceworkforce Should have reasonable experience with the employer (min 2 Should have reasonable experience with the employer (min 2

years)years) Can investigate hazards or potential hazards, as well as carry Can investigate hazards or potential hazards, as well as carry

inspectionsinspections Are entitled to training, paid time off, some facilities, etc.Are entitled to training, paid time off, some facilities, etc. The employer shall consult them in good time in regard to:The employer shall consult them in good time in regard to:

The introduction of any measure at the workplace which may The introduction of any measure at the workplace which may substantially affect H&S of the workforce, incl. new technologysubstantially affect H&S of the workforce, incl. new technology

The appointment of a “competent person” who will carry out risk The appointment of a “competent person” who will carry out risk assessment exercisesassessment exercises

The H&S information the employer is supposed to provide to the The H&S information the employer is supposed to provide to the employeesemployees

The planning and organizing of H&S trainingsThe planning and organizing of H&S trainings

Safety Officer / AdviserSafety Officer / Adviser

A person specializing in this area of workA person specializing in this area of work

Not a trade union representative/memberNot a trade union representative/member

Could advise the senior management or be a part of the Could advise the senior management or be a part of the HR departmentHR department

Carries out the risk assessmentCarries out the risk assessment

Monitors and reviews the protective and preventive Monitors and reviews the protective and preventive measuresmeasures

Safety CommitteeSafety Committee Objective: to promote cooperation between employers and Objective: to promote cooperation between employers and

employees in instigating, developing and carrying out employees in instigating, developing and carrying out measures to ensure the H&S at work for employeesmeasures to ensure the H&S at work for employees

Functions: Functions: Study figures and trends for accidents and notifiable diseasesStudy figures and trends for accidents and notifiable diseases Examine safety audit reports and reports of safety representativesExamine safety audit reports and reports of safety representatives Consider reports and factual information provided by inspectorsConsider reports and factual information provided by inspectors Assist in development of safety rules and safe systems of workAssist in development of safety rules and safe systems of work Monitor the effectiveness of safety trainingsMonitor the effectiveness of safety trainings Monitor the effectiveness of the H&S communication at the workplaceMonitor the effectiveness of the H&S communication at the workplace Encourage publicity for H&S programmes in the workplaceEncourage publicity for H&S programmes in the workplace Provide a link with the appropriate inspectoratesProvide a link with the appropriate inspectorates

Membership: includes equal number of people from the Membership: includes equal number of people from the management and the workforcemanagement and the workforce

What is “reasonably practicable”?What is “reasonably practicable”?

Means that a calculation must be made to Means that a calculation must be made to compare the risk with the sacrifices, cost compare the risk with the sacrifices, cost and level of effort needed to eliminate itand level of effort needed to eliminate it

Employers should do as much as they can Employers should do as much as they can to try to eliminate the “reasonably to try to eliminate the “reasonably practicable” risk (HASAWA, 1974)practicable” risk (HASAWA, 1974)

This is not enough, according to the EU This is not enough, according to the EU H&S Framework Directive (1992)H&S Framework Directive (1992)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), 1988Health Regulations (COSHH), 1988

Designed to protect anyone who works with substances Designed to protect anyone who works with substances potentially hazardous to healthpotentially hazardous to health

The employers should:The employers should: Assess the risk of substances used and identify the required Assess the risk of substances used and identify the required

precautionsprecautions Introduce appropriate measures to control and prevent riskIntroduce appropriate measures to control and prevent risk Ensure the correct use of control measures, and that equipment Ensure the correct use of control measures, and that equipment

is regularly maintainedis regularly maintained Conduct health surveillance to monitor the health of employees Conduct health surveillance to monitor the health of employees

where there is a known identifiable riskwhere there is a known identifiable risk Inform and train employees about the risks that may arise from Inform and train employees about the risks that may arise from

their work, and inform them about the necessary precautions to their work, and inform them about the necessary precautions to taketake

The EU Framework Directive, 1992The EU Framework Directive, 1992 Objective: to introduce measures to encourage improvements in Objective: to introduce measures to encourage improvements in

safety and health of workers at worksafety and health of workers at work The UK legislative acts in compliance with the Directive:The UK legislative acts in compliance with the Directive:

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, as amended Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, as amended

by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.2002.

Provision and use of Work Equipment regulations 1998, as amended by Provision and use of Work Equipment regulations 1998, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.2002.

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment Regulations, as amended Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment Regulations, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.2002.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 , as amended by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 , as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.

The Management of Health and Safety The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999at Work Regulations, 1999

The employer shall:The employer shall: Carry out assessment of H&S risks to both employees and public Carry out assessment of H&S risks to both employees and public

and record itand record it Monitor and review the protective and preventive measuresMonitor and review the protective and preventive measures Appoint a competent person to be responsible for these measuresAppoint a competent person to be responsible for these measures Establish emergency proceduresEstablish emergency procedures Give comprehensive and relevant information and trainings to Give comprehensive and relevant information and trainings to

employeesemployees

The employee shall:The employee shall: Use the equipment in the way in which that have been trained to use Use the equipment in the way in which that have been trained to use

itit Report any dangerous situations or any potential problems or risk Report any dangerous situations or any potential problems or risk

that they have noticedthat they have noticed

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Miscellaneous Amendments), Regulations (Miscellaneous Amendments),

20022002 The employer shall:The employer shall:

Provide a good working environment with appropriate Provide a good working environment with appropriate temperature, ventilation and level of lightningtemperature, ventilation and level of lightning

Carry out maintenance and be responsible for keeping the Carry out maintenance and be responsible for keeping the workplace cleanworkplace clean

Provision and use of Work Equipment Provision and use of Work Equipment regulations (Miscellaneous Amendments), regulations (Miscellaneous Amendments),

20022002 The employer shall:The employer shall:

Consider the impact on H&S when purchasing new equipmentConsider the impact on H&S when purchasing new equipment Provide the necessary information and training Provide the necessary information and training Ensure appropriate lightning and warnings about the safe use on the equipmentEnsure appropriate lightning and warnings about the safe use on the equipment Ensure protection from any potentially dangerous parts of the equipment and Ensure protection from any potentially dangerous parts of the equipment and

that the equipment is suitable for usethat the equipment is suitable for use

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations

2002.2002.

The employer shall:The employer shall: Assess and reduce risks for people who spend a large part of their time Assess and reduce risks for people who spend a large part of their time

working in front of a PC screensworking in front of a PC screens Ensure that the workstations meet the minimum requirementsEnsure that the workstations meet the minimum requirements Ensure and plan brakes and changes of activityEnsure and plan brakes and changes of activity Provide regular tests by an optician and spectacles if necessaryProvide regular tests by an optician and spectacles if necessary Training and information for visual display usersTraining and information for visual display users

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, as amended by the Health and Regulations, as amended by the Health and

Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 20022002

The employer shall:The employer shall: Ensure that the equipment used is suitable for the job to be doneEnsure that the equipment used is suitable for the job to be done Adequately maintain, clean and replace equipment as necessaryAdequately maintain, clean and replace equipment as necessary Store it safely when not in useStore it safely when not in use Ensure correct use by informing and training of employeesEnsure correct use by informing and training of employees

Manual Handling Operations Regulations Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 , as amended by the Health and 1992 , as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments)

Regulations 2002Regulations 2002 The employer shall:The employer shall:

Ensure that employees do not have to use risky techniques Ensure that employees do not have to use risky techniques when handling loadswhen handling loads

Assess whether any risks are inherent in the manual handling Assess whether any risks are inherent in the manual handling that has to be donethat has to be done

Take necessary steps to reduce risks by introducing mechanical Take necessary steps to reduce risks by introducing mechanical help, ensuring loads are lighter and assessing the capabilities of help, ensuring loads are lighter and assessing the capabilities of the individualthe individual

Ensure provision of information for all employeesEnsure provision of information for all employees

Liaise closely with another employers if working on another Liaise closely with another employers if working on another employers premisesemployers premises

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

(RIDDOR), 1995(RIDDOR), 1995 Employers should report to the enforcing authorities so that they can identify risks Employers should report to the enforcing authorities so that they can identify risks

and investigate serious accidents. The employers should report:and investigate serious accidents. The employers should report: The death or a major injuryThe death or a major injury Accidents or injuries which require the employee to be absent from work for more than 3 daysAccidents or injuries which require the employee to be absent from work for more than 3 days Some work-related diseasesSome work-related diseases When something occurred which didn’t result in a reportable injury but which could have doneWhen something occurred which didn’t result in a reportable injury but which could have done

The Working Time Regulations, 1998The Working Time Regulations, 1998 Controls the hours worked and the way they are organizedControls the hours worked and the way they are organized Establishes minimum holiday levelsEstablishes minimum holiday levels Establishes a 48-hour working weekEstablishes a 48-hour working week

Health and Safety (Consultation with Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations. 1996Employees) Regulations. 1996

Safety Representatives and Safety Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations, 1997Committees Regulations, 1997

The First Aid Regulations, 1981The First Aid Regulations, 1981

Etc…Etc…

Other UK H&S RegulationsOther UK H&S Regulations

Safety Policy StatementSafety Policy Statement Clearly written and easily accessible document showing personal Clearly written and easily accessible document showing personal

responsibilities and the policy arrangements.responsibilities and the policy arrangements. Two issues should be addressed:Two issues should be addressed:

Who is responsible for the H&SWho is responsible for the H&S? – the ultimate responsibility rests with the ? – the ultimate responsibility rests with the board or CEO or equivalent. The safety adviser’s role should be clearly definedboard or CEO or equivalent. The safety adviser’s role should be clearly defined

What are the arrangements made for H&SWhat are the arrangements made for H&S (particular systems, procedures, (particular systems, procedures, their implementation and personal responsibility for each one of them). The their implementation and personal responsibility for each one of them). The should be the following:should be the following: H&S risks arising from our work activitiesH&S risks arising from our work activities Consultation with employeesConsultation with employees Safe plant equipment (for ex. Records of maintenance and service history)Safe plant equipment (for ex. Records of maintenance and service history) Safe handling and use of substancesSafe handling and use of substances Information, instruction and supervisionInformation, instruction and supervision Competency for tasks and trainingCompetency for tasks and training Accidents, first aid and work-related ill-health Accidents, first aid and work-related ill-health MonitoringMonitoring Emergency procedures – fire and evacuationEmergency procedures – fire and evacuation Key areas of riskKey areas of risk

Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment Five main steps in assessing risks:Five main steps in assessing risks:

Look for the hazardsLook for the hazards Decide who might be harmed and howDecide who might be harmed and how Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are

adequate or more should be done (weighted scales; particular adequate or more should be done (weighted scales; particular circumstances, etc.)circumstances, etc.)

Record the findingsRecord the findings Review the assessment and revise if necessaryReview the assessment and revise if necessary

Control measuresControl measures Substitute safer equipment or materialsSubstitute safer equipment or materials Tackle risk at source by improving design features (for ex. Use remote Tackle risk at source by improving design features (for ex. Use remote

control or protective barriers)control or protective barriers) Re-plan work procedures (for ex. Minimize weight to be lifted or introduce Re-plan work procedures (for ex. Minimize weight to be lifted or introduce

mechanical lifting devices)mechanical lifting devices) Use protective clothingUse protective clothing

Health CareHealth Care

More and more employers consider the financial costs of More and more employers consider the financial costs of absenteeism and low morale and take measures to absenteeism and low morale and take measures to promote and improve health by:promote and improve health by: Health screening servicesHealth screening services Private health insurance schemesPrivate health insurance schemes Help for smokers to quitHelp for smokers to quit A healthy dietA healthy diet Gym equipment or fitness cardsGym equipment or fitness cards Stress management programmesStress management programmes Policies and education programmes on HIV/AidsPolicies and education programmes on HIV/Aids Policies and education programmes on substance abuse, etc.Policies and education programmes on substance abuse, etc.

The HRM Approach to H&SThe HRM Approach to H&S Need to create a culture in which the H&S are seen to be important Need to create a culture in which the H&S are seen to be important

to the organizationto the organization

Commitment from the top to the achievement of progressively higher Commitment from the top to the achievement of progressively higher standards as expressed in the mission statement and the H&S policystandards as expressed in the mission statement and the H&S policy

Clear responsibilities about H&S for all partiesClear responsibilities about H&S for all parties

Managers to demonstrate their personal example of commitment to Managers to demonstrate their personal example of commitment to the H&Sthe H&S

Policies and procedures to take account of the importance of a H&S Policies and procedures to take account of the importance of a H&S environmentenvironment

Realistic and attainable targets for everyone in the organizationRealistic and attainable targets for everyone in the organization

Encouragement of all to take responsibility for their own actions and Encouragement of all to take responsibility for their own actions and involvement of all in the H&Sinvolvement of all in the H&S

Important notice!Important notice!

Lecture 10 “Equal opportunities and Lecture 10 “Equal opportunities and diversity” scheduled for the week of 8diversity” scheduled for the week of 8thth of of December will be held on 10December will be held on 10thth of of December, Wednesday, from 18:30, for December, Wednesday, from 18:30, for both groups A31 and A32both groups A31 and A32