Provide Feedback and Continuous Improvement

This Handbook is comprised of two Volumes. Volume 1 contains the core material. Chapter 1 presents a discussion of how chemical management fits into ISM. The ISM Core Functions (Define the Scope of Work, Analyze the Hazards, Develop and Implement Hazard Controls, Perform Work within Controls, and Provide Feedback and Continuous Improvement) provide the structure needed to ensure all work activity is undertaken safely. 

Integrated Safety Management Core Functions—The core safety management functions for DOE P 450.4, Safety Management System Policy, which are to (1) define the scope of work (2) analyze the hazards (3) develop and implement hazard controls (4) perform work within controls and (5) provide feedback and continuous improvement. These functions are also identified in DEAR 48 CFR 970.5204-2(c). 

Applied behavior analysis methods are useful to achieve continuous improvement in safety. Krause (1997, p. 3) explains, These methods include identifying and operationally defining critical safety-related behaviors, observing to gather data on the frequency of those behaviors, providing feedback, and using the gathered data for continuous improvement. ... 

I have met very few employees who respect and appreciate annual performance appraisals. They do not see the evaluations as being fair, objective, and motivational. I am sure you know department heads and supervisors who complete performance appraisals only because it is mandatory. They are not interested in providing constructive, performance-focused feedback for continuous improvement. They do not maintain ongoing records of employees accomplishments and less-than-adequate performance. Instead, they typically wait until a few days before appraisals are due and then make their best-guess estimate of an individual s ranking, using nebulous performance dimensions like "competent," "enthusiastic," "self-motivated," "cooperative," "responsive to feedback," and "willing to improve."... 

Measurements and Audits. The enabling element of continuous improvement is measurement. An old rule of thumb says that increased accuracy in measuring an energy use ultimately yields a reduction in use equal to 10% of the increased closure of the balance. A basic principle of economics is that any thing that is free is used in excess, ie, an unmetered electrical use is bigger than expected by at least 10%. Metering of the cost elements at each unit in a chemical plant provides effective accountabhity. Measurements should be linked via computer software to production as weh as to weather to result in maximum feedback. 

Provide feedback to providers about their continuing education programs through periodic comprehensive reviews and ongoing monitoring activities with a need toward continuous improvement and strengthening. 

Feedback from the evaluation survey was useful for providing insights into the perception of the purpose of OHS MS in the workplace As a general statement most of the OHS system is focused on being a defensive document. .. rather than trying to continually improve safety. For me there are two main components to safe operation the safety you can build into the process. .. and the safe behaviours we bring to the operation. .. the ideal system would be a balance of both of these philosophies. ... 

Front line supervisor leadership Supervisors are empowered to lead, coach and provide feedback for their teams towards a continuous improvement performance through KPI management, shift log meeting, weekly trend analysis and monthly meeting to review performance. 

Audits or some equivalent means of operational reviews are an important segment of any quality assurance program. They provide feedback to management and are the means of ensuring a continuous improvement of the system and overall facility. In the context of audits for process safety there is a close linkage with quality assurance. Quality assurance encompasses the spectrum of not only ensuring that the requirements are met, and it also provides a system to achieve continuous improvement, in addition to compliance. 

A system that evaluates programs against these standards, and provides feedback to students, faculty, and other stakeholders for the purposes of continuous improvement... 

The primary objective of measuring safety performance is to provide a feedback mechanism that will foster continuous improvement. A process for implementing such a program relies on the following steps (Krause and Hidley 1990,161) ... 

The balanced scorecard management system provides feedback concerning internal business processes and external outcomes. To improve performance, continuous improvement strategies are incorporated into the model. The process involves a defining the mission and goals for the organization. As with other performance improvement processes, the activities necessary to meet the goals are developed and measures indicative of that performance identified. Continual improvement is incorporated... 

Balanced Scorecard a management system (not only a measurement system) that enables organizations to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. It provides feedback around both the internal business processes and external outcomes in order to continuously improve strategic performance and results. 

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