The Functions of Safety Planning

Safety forecasting is the activity a manager carries out to estimate the probability, frequency, and severity of accidents and near miss incidents that may occur in a future time span. This is usually done by means of risk assessment, critical task identification, and task risk assessment. Near miss incident analysis can predict what losses could have occurred if the event had not been identified and the root causes eliminated. 

Setting safety objectives is when a manager determines what safety results he/she desires. This would include incorporating a formal near miss incident program (NEMIRR) into the safety systan. One objective for the organization could be the reporting of one near miss incident per anployee per month. Another objective, for example, would be for at least 90 percent of all near miss incidents to be actioned and rectified each month. 

Safety scheduling is when a manager establishes time frames for the safety program steps. In introducing and maintaining a NEMIRR system, a schedule would be determined for the introduction phase of the system, the training phase as well as the follow up and review of the results, successes, and failures of the system. 

Safety budgeting is allocating financial and other resources necessary to achieve the safety objectives. A budget allocation may be required for the reporting incentive scheme. Funds should be allocated. Mechanical or structural repairs or modifications may be needed to eliminate hazards reported through the near miss incident system and these expenses must be budgeted for as well. 

Establishing correct safety procedures is when a manager analyzes certain tasks and writes safe work procedures for performing the work. Based on near miss incidents, the jobs can be risk-ranked and the critical tasks identified. This will help prioritize the writing of procedures. 

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