SHE audits

In January, she audits the Fire Prevention and Protection program. During the audit, Suzy attempts to determine whether the... 

Reporting and collection of data on accident risks by means of accident and near-accident investigations, workplace inspections, SHE audits and risk analyses. Methods of data collection include observation, interviews, self-reporting, group discussions, electronic registration, etc. 

Eigure 5.11 shows the main elements of MORT (Johnson, 1980 Knox and Eicher, 1992). They are displayed as events in a logical tree of, in total, about fifteen hundred basic events. Each event corresponds to a question to be addressed in accident investigations and SHE audits. The MORT diagram is not based on systematic research, but is rather a codified collection of the practical experience and judgement existing at that time. 

In our model of a SHE information system in Chapter 1, we identified four different subsystems, i.e. data collection, data analysis or processing, a memory and distribution of information. We will here first focus on the data-collection subsystem. Chapter 12 presents an overview and Chapters 13 and 14 give details about different methods of data collection in accident and near-accident reporting and investigation, workplace inspections and SHE audits. We will then proceed in Chapter 15 to go through some basic principles for the establishment of a memory (database) on accident risks. After that, we will review different methods for data analysis based on data from accidents and near-accidents in particular. In practice, it is not always easy to separate data collection from data analysis or processing, because these activities often interact. 

According to Norwegian Internal control regulations, companies that act as the principal enterprise shall ensure that sub-contractors and suppliers comply with the regulations (Section 2.2). The execution of SHE audits is a means for the principal enterprise to meet these regulations in this respect. 

SHE audits apply the same basic principles as those of quality audits (ISO 10011 in ISO, 1990/91/92) ... 

SMORT is also suitable for use as a tool in the planning and execution of SHE audits. The steps of a SMORT investigation, as described in Section 13.6, follow the basic procedure of an audit. The SMORT checklists and questionnaire give support in the development of detailed lists of questions for the audit. 

It is usually possible to plan the SMORT audit in detail in advance and no subdivision into phases is required. There is a clear difference between use of SMORT in accident investigation and in SHE audits when it comes to the presentation of results. SHE audits are closely linked to requirements as stated in various documents. When presenting nonconformities, the reference documentation should always be cited. The audit team also has the freedom to present other types of observations where their own judgements go beyond what is clearly specified. 

When we design a database on accidents and near accidents, we also have to consider what other types of data we may want to store in later developments of the database. In the end, we may, for example, be interested in integrating data from accident and near-accident investigations with reports on unsafe conditions, nonconformities, workplace inspections, risk analysis and SHE audits in a common database. 

SHE performance measurement utilises all four sub-systems of a SHE information system. The performance indicators apply data from the different sources presented in Chapter 12 such as accident and near-accident reporting, workplace inspections and SHE audits. The data is analysed and presented in a specific way, enabling comparison with goals, previous results, results of other companies, etc. 

Accidents and near accidents are unwanted events occurring at random points in time. At the same time, they represent opportunities of learning about hazards and causal factors at the workplace and in the company. We should grab the opportunities when they occur and conduct adequate investigations. Workplace inspections and SHE audits are pre-planned activities that also represent opportunities of learning. They focus on deviations, contributing factors and root causes and not, in the first place, on hazards. 

SHE audits are the main tools of Norskoil s SHE manager for follow-up on safety in construction. The contractor s site safety co-ordinator also performs audits of this type. The audit team checks actual performance against regulatory and contractual requirements and the yards SHE programmes. The audits usually consist of two parts, i.e. a system part and a technical part. In the system audit, the SHE manager checks SHE documentation and practices in relation to the commitments in the SHE programme. The technical audit is carried out as workplace inspection. The audits follow a schedule and each audit covers a separate theme. Below are examples of audit themes ... 

SHE auditing is used as a tool for independent examinations of Ymer s SHE management system. Ymer uses an adapted version of ISRS, and a third party carries out regular audits to establish a rating of Ymer s SHE management... 

Are the feedback loops closed Are the routines for the reporting and investigation of accidents and near accidents and for the execution of workplace inspections and SHE audits adequate Are the results used in decisions to improve safety, and is there a follow-up of the implementation of the actions decided upon Does the company meet the requirements in relation to reporting to the authorities Have the routines been documented and are they known to the people concerned ... 

Internal distribution of individual reports Accidents and near accidents Unsafe conditions Workplace inspections Nonconformities Risk analysis SHE audits... 

Similar routines have to be developed for the reporting of unsafe conditions, workplace inspections, risk analyses, SHE audits, etc. Responsibilities and routines have to be documented in procedures and work instructions. 

Efforts should be made to simplify the form for the registration of accidents and near accidents as far as possible. It is an important principle that the design of the form shall not create a barrier towards the reporting and investigation of accidents and near accidents. Some of the data are fed directly into the computer and need not show up on the form for the supervisor s first report. No specific form is needed for the in-depth investigations. Checklists should be developed to support the investigations. There are also other tools to be considered such as checklists and record sheets for use in workplace inspections, risk analyses and SHE audits. 

SHE audit A systematic and independent examination of a company s SHE management system. The aim is to determine that the elements within the system have been established and are effective and suitable for achieving stated SHE requirements and goals. 

Has an adequate plan been established for SHE audits and management... 

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