Organisation –Communication
Communication is important for all organisations for all information, not just
information coming into the organisation but going out also. There are different
types of communication –written, verbal or graphic.
Verbal Communication–This includes discussion, speeches, presentations and
interpersonal communication. Language, distractions, tone and body language can
all influence verbal communication.
Written Communication–This includes letters, memos, emails. Care needs to be
taken with language, jargon, tone or overloading with information or making the
message too complex.
Graphic Communication–This includes drawings, sketches, pictures, photographs.
These can help enhance the message you need to get across.
Things to bear in mind–keep language clear and without jargon, so it may be
understood, ensure there are no distractions if messages are delivered verbally,
ensure body language is positive, attitude to delivery the message is enthusiastic
and positive, and be aware of people who may have sensory defects such as
hearing or sight impairment.
Types of communication could be, films, DVD’s, posters, toolbox talks, letters,
email, handbooks, intranet, training, newsletter.
Organisation –Consultation with Employees
Employers have a legal obligation to consult with
employees on matters of health & safety. This is covered by
two separate pieces of legislation:
Unionised workplaces must comply with the Safety
Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977.
Non-unionised workplaces must comply and refer to the
Health and safety (Consultation with Employees)
Regulations 1996.
Consultation is a two way process –consulting meaning to
‘seek information or advice from’, and ‘seek permission or
approval from’.
Organisation –Information, Instruction and Training
There are legal requirements under section 2(2) of the HSWA 1974 to provide
health & safety training to employees, and regulation 13 of the MHSWR. Effective
training can improve reliability and improve a persons perception of risk and
hazards, and can improve skills which can improve morale, attitude and
competence.
Possibly the most important is induction training. Some items that should be
covered are: Content of the H&S policy, line management, specific hazards / risks
an control measures, local safety procedures and rules, employees responsibilities
under health and safety law, consultation procedures for who the site safety reps
are and arrangements for the health & safety committee, accident reporting
procedures and arrangements, health surveillance if required, welfare facilities and
emergency procedures.
Additional training may be required or refreshed if: new processes are introduced,
job change, new legislation, accident trend, risk assessment, refreshers that are
needed, staff appraisals, counteract complacency.
Organisation –Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
Scope –regulations apply to unionised workplaces, the recognised trade union
may appoint safety representatives from among the employees and notify the
employer in writing, safety representatives ideally should have two years service.
There are no actual defined duties of a safety representative included in the regs,
however there are specific functions. These include:
•Representing employees in consultation with employer.
•Investigating hazards and dangerous occurrences and accidents.
•Investigating employees complaints relating to health and safety.
•Carrying out inspections in the workplace.
•Representing employees in consultation with inspectors.
•Attending safety committee meetings.
An appointed representative is entitled to the following as part of their role:
Time off with pay to carry out their duties, health & safety training, reasonable
facilities, if 2 or more reps request a safety committee, the employer must establish
one within 3 months.
A rep may inspect the workplace: every 3 months, following a change in work
conditions, when new information is available from HSE, following a notifiable
accident, disease or danger occurrence.