Uses of SHE-related information in decision-making

Actions are taken to prevent the goals not being met. Top management also requests summary accident statistics for prioritisation purposes. 

The diagnostic process represents many different activities in SHE management. They are typically found at the workplace level, where rich data on accidents is used locally for prevention. Here, supervisors and workers solve SHE-related problems by evaluating output from a SHE information system in relation to their own experiences. Below are some examples illustrating different needs of SHE related information at this level  

Example In developing job instructions for a rolling mill, the accident statistics were analysed in order to identify hazards during different activities (start-up and shut-down, operation, cleaning, maintenance and handling of disturbances). The hazards associated with these different activities were mentioned in the job instructions together with the necessary safety precautions. 

We find application of persistent-feedback-control principles at this level. In workplace inspections, the conditions at the workplace are monitored and compared to pre-established norms (the regulations, internal procedures, accepted practice). Decisions are made during the inspections to correct deviations (e.g. replace faulty guards, improve housekeeping). 

The SHE staff are often the most frequent users of the SHE information system. They support line management and union representatives by providing the requested reports. Periodic summary reports on accident statistics, for example, present the necessary information for monitoring and prioritymaking purposes at the plant and department levels. Risk analyses represent another area requiring input on accidents. Such analyses give overviews of the hazards at the workplaces and the associated risk, and are used as input to decisions on actions to reduce the risk. Line management makes the actual decisions. 

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Figure 10.1 Examples of uses of SHE-related information in decision-making.

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