Observed hazard card

As part of their BBS program, many companies use an Observed Hazard card (also called a NEAR Event or STOP card). An example is shown in Figure 3.6. The card is used to record observations of hazardous situations. If the employee considers the observed situation to present an immediate danger he or she has the authority to stop the work until a review has been carried out. 

Basically, through training, employees become adept at safety and health hazards recognition and empowered and encouraged to observe worksite conditions and report violations of other unsafe situations. Employees then record their observations on cards called stop cards, which are collected and given to the safety department for further follow-up, tracking, and corrective action. 

The THIS will focus an employee s attention on these targeted hazards through an intensive 1-hour training program that the safety and loss prevention professional will present, and the basic skills will be provided upon completion of the THIS observation cards. The premise is simple—stop the unsafe act to prevent the accident from happening. 

The Philips Lighting management team must identify the management team member responsible for collecting THIS observation cards on a daily basis. Also, this management team member must review the observation cards, analyze the information provided, discuss the identified hazard or corrective action with the appropriate members of the management team, and post a response or feedback for review by employees in a timely manner. Appropriate and timely feedback is essential for the success of the THIS program. 

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