Incidents open communication

Information sought and shared openly can be the most useful. Umec-ognized latent properties of materials can and do receive publicity in technical journals. Information found in research is more easily communicated than that foimd through serious incident investigation. Previously... 

Higher rates of contamination are invariably seen in products after opening and use and, among these, medicines used in hospitals are more likely to be contaminated than those used in the general community. The Public Health Laboratory Service Report of 1971 expressed concern at the overall incidence of contamination in non-sterile products used on hospital wards (327 of 1220 samples) and the proportion of samples found to be heavily contaminated (18% in excess of 104 CFU per g or per ml). Notably, the presence of Ps. aeruginosa in 2.7% of samples (mainly oral alkaline mixtures) was considered to be highly undesirable. 

The basic idea behind attomey/client privilege is that communications with a professional legal advisor can be held in confidence (similar types of privilege can exist between a husband and wife or a religious counselor and a parishioner). Privilege protects communications, not facts. For example, if someone is asked if the valve was open immediately prior to an incident he or she cannot respond 1 discussed that with my attorney, and hence the information is privileged. However, the witness can claim privilege if asked What did you tell your attorney about the status of the valve ... 

Communication on safety by all levels of employment is encouraged as an understood element in the organization s culture. Management promotes a continuing and open discussion of hazards, incidents, and concerns about risks. At all levels, personnel are informed of the hazards of operations and of what is expected concerning them. Progress relative to established goals is published, discussed, and routinely communicated to employees. Two-way communications, upward and downward. 

Always begin in a friendly way when investigating accidents, or near miss incidents, or carrying out other safety activities. Use positive phrases and positive body language. Being open and friendly creates an atmosphere conducive to open heart-to-heart communication for safety. 

According to Mike Williamsen (2009), there are many factors needed in order for near miss incident reporting to be effective. Included are a willingness by the organization to learn from its mistakes, open and honest communication between woikers and supervisors, and the removal of fear of reprisal for reporting, positive motivation to report near miss incident situations, and positive actions taken immediately to eliminate the problems reported. 

Improve communication. Interpersonal conversation is key to finding and correcting the potential contributors to an incident. People need to talk openly about the various environment, behavior, and person factors related to a near hit, injury, or damage to property. But this will not happen if tire focus of an "investigation" is to find a single reason for the "failure." People want notiiing to do with a failure. 

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