Employee reporting systems hazards

A formal system for hazard reporting exists. Employee reports of hazards are documented, corrective action is scheduled, and records maintained. 

For small businesses that do not use written inspection reports or written employee reports of hazards, this system provides important documentation that otherwise might not exist. The weakness in this system is much the same as for tracking by committee there is always a possibility that incorrect or incomplete information will be transferred or that a correction... 

Instructions Under the column headed "System," note how the hazard was found, e.g., Insp. for inspection, ERH, for employee report of hazard, Acc. for accidenVincident investigation, etc. 

Hazard Reporting and Correction (4) Employees trained and empowered to correct any hazards identified by using own initiative. (3) Comprehensive hazard data collection and analysis in place to drive the correction process. (2) System exists for hazard reporting and employees can use it, but system slow to respond. (1) System exists for hazard reporting, but employees find it difficult to use or unresponsive. (0) No hazard reporting system exists, or employees appear uncomfortable reporting hazards. 

Planning and integration of safety Job monitoring systems, hazard analysis systems Site inspections programs with follow-up Hazard recognition training Employee hazard reporting system and follow-up... 

System to analyze injury and illness trends over time through a review of injury/ illness experience hazards identified through inspections, employee reports, and accident investigations... 

Employee perceptions can provide other usefnl information. An employee s opinion of how easy it is to report a hazard and get a response will tell yon a lot about how well the hazard reporting system is working. If employees indicate that the system... 

A reliable hazard reporting system enables employees, without fear of reprisal, to notify management of conditions that appear hazardous and to receive timely and appropriate responses. Management responds to reports of hazards in writing within specified time frames. The workforce readily identifies and self-corrects hazards they are supported by management when they do so. 

It is important to remember that under an effective management system employers do not discourage employees from reporting safety hazards and making recommendations about incidents or hazards, or from participating in the safety program. 

Provide a reliable system for employees to report hazardous conditions and other situations that appear hazardous make sure that responses to employees reports are appropriate and timely (Chapter 11)... 

Encourage employees to use established hazard reporting system(s) guarantee a strict prohibition of reprisal for all employees, supervisors, and managers... 

The importance of interim protection cannot be overemphasized There is no way to predict when a hazard will cause serious harm, and there is no justification for continuing to expose employees to risk unnecessarily. These are suggested guidelines for establishing a hazard reporting system ... 

Employees understand and feel comfortable using the company s hazard reporting system. Employees report hazards to their supervisors and/or safety committee representatives. Reporting hazards is encour-... 

A reliable hazard reporting system enables employees, withont fear of reprisal, to... 

No formal hazard reporting system exists, or employees are reluctant to report hazards. 

Employees are periodically instrncted in hazard identification and reporting procedures. Management condncts surveys of employee observations of hazards to ensure that the system is working. Resnlts are docnmented. 

Many opportunities can be used to get employees involved in the safety process. For example, to promote employee involvement, you can ask them to be involved in the development of hazard assessment, inspections, preventative maintenance, training, emergency response, and loss-producing reporting systems. 

As examples, employees perceptions and/or opinions about the ease or difficulty in reporting hazards and the time it takes to get a response will validate the real effectiveness of any hazard reporting system. If employees indicate that the system for enforcing safety rules and work practices is inconsistent or confusing, a gap in this system element is identified. 

Encouraging all employees to use established hazard reporting system(s). 

Implement processes or systems to report and track hazard correction actions Establish a timetable for implementing corrective hazard controls Prioritize hazards as identified by inspections, reporting, and accident investigations Require employees to report hazards using an established processes Provide quick feedback about the status of hazard correction activities Delegate responsibility for correcting hazards and documenting completion Permit supervisors and experienced employees to initiate hazard control actions... 

The establishment of formally-documented safe systems of work is an essential feature of compliance with the HSWA. Safe systems of work should identify the hazards, the precautions necessary on the part of staff, influences on behaviour and the training necessary, at induction and other stages of an employee s progress. A Hazard Reporting System is an essential feature of this process, whereby staff can identify and report on hazards that may arise in a number of situations and circumstances. 

This Regulation reinforces and expands the duties of employers towards employees under Section 7 of the HSWA. In the light of these requirements employers should install some form of hazard reporting system, whereby employees can report hazards to their employer or appointed competent person. Such a system should ensure a prompt response where hazards are identified, with the competent person signing off the hazard report when the hazard has been eliminated or controlled. 

Remember that flexibility can be exercised in choosing or designing a reporting system that will work effectively for individual worksites. A policy should exist within your worksite that explicitly encourages employees to report all hazards and other safety and health concerns. 

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