8.1 Monitor control measures
A problem or hazard has been identified, what should the individual or team do next?
In most cases two activities should be triggered, firstly the control of the immediate hazard, and secondly planning and action to remove it.
Let's assume an employee has discovered that a chair is damaged. In most workplaces the sequence of reporting such a hazard should be known to all staff. It may involve reporting the hazard to the supervisor or safety representative who will then log a report and trigger corrective actions.
However, the assessment and actions need to consider wider issues. Reporting is necessary to ensure that the remedial actions not only remove the immediate hazard but determine if the hazard can reappear. For instance, does this model of chair have a design fault that will make such a fault reappear? Is the use of the chair inappropriate for that design of chair? Has the individual user adopted poor practices that may cause damage to this type (and potentially other types) of chairs? The reporting of a hazard necessitates control and sound reporting mechanisms to be in place and rigorously applied within the workplace.
Any control measures implemented must be monitored to ascertain whether the control has succeeded in removing or minimizing workplace hazards. This confirms the validity of the original hazard identification and assessment.
Control measures are, as previously stated:
- Workplace safety inspections;
- Safety audits of plant and equipment; and
- Hazard identification and reporting.
These control measures are only as effective as the people that use them and the systems that support them. Random audits of the effectiveness of control measures are also a critical element that helps ensure the safety of workplace systems. Several methods that may be used to monitor control measures include checking that hazards have been corrected, and, checking that safety inspections have been carried out at the correct times and by the correct people.
Some practical suggestions for monitoring control measures include:
- Checking hazard registers and cross checking the physical hazards reported to ensure that the corrective action is suitable.
- Going over inspection check lists, checking dates, locations and timings.
- Talking with those people who have carried out inspections and discussing the effectiveness of those inspections.
- Safety system audits. These may involve checking the effectiveness of the systems and ensuring that the relevant checks and stops are in place.
Activity 1
Consider the following aspects associated with monitoring workplace safety.
- Analyse the means by which your workplace monitors and promotes OH&S programs and control measures, addressing strengths and weaknesses and possible suggestions for improvement.
- List five strengths, five weaknesses and five suggestions for improvement of current programs and control measures. Discuss these with your manager.
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