performance audit review - Keele University
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Department of Occupational Health and Safety

 

Department of Occupational Health and Safety

Measurement of Performance, Audit and Review

Updated 15th April 2011

Background

A low accident frequency rate even over a period of years is no guarantee that risks are being effectively controlled. This is particularly so in Faculties, Schools or Departments where there is a low probability of accidents but where significant hazards are still present. In such cases the historical incidence of reported accidents can be a deceptive indicator of safety performance. In order to ensure that Keele University's policy is effectively implemented steps have been taken to monitor health and safety performance.

Monitoring is an essential part of developing a positive health and safety culture. Like any other planning, monitoring is a line management responsibility and the arrangements cover the whole range of health and safety performance standards which have been established. There are two types of system:

  • active systems which monitor the achievements of objectives and the extent of compliance with standards by:
    • Departmental/School inspections
    • Monitoring inspections on behalf of the University Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHSC) and
  • reactive systems which monitor accidents, ill health, incidents and other evidence of deficient health and safety performance, such as hazard reports.

Active Monitoring

Departmental/School Self-Inspections

Inspections on behalf of OHSC

Workplace Inspection Checklist

Safety Inspection Schedule

Reactive Monitoring

Reactive monitoring refers to activities after an incident has taken place. For example, the reporting of accidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health is covered by the Accident Reporting arrangements. That section also covers the investigation of the more serious incidents which become reportable to the Health and Safety Executive under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) .

It must not be forgotten however that minor injuries, other loss events incidents and hazards may also themselves indicate areas where attention should be focused.

The Head of DOHS will investigate all accidents/incidents reported under RIDDOR.

Auditing Performance

Auditing complements School/Departmental inspections and Inspections on behalf of OHSC by providing an objective and qualitative assessment of all the elements of the health and safety management system.

Reviewing Performance

This is an essential part of the whole process, both at University and School/Departmental levels. The aim of the review is to look at existing arrangements and their adequacy with respect to

  • requirements of relevant legislation
  • existing guidance within the organisation
  • best practice and performance
  • efficiency and effectiveness.

Areas which will form part of the periodic review will include

  • overall performance of the occupational health and safety system in the University/Department
  • performance of individual elements
  • the findings of audits
  • internal and external factors such as structure, legislation, new technology etc.

The HSSC routinely reviews health and safety performance in the University, as does the OHSC.  DOHS produces regular reports for these Committees.