Why Zero Harm is a Terrible Goal

Zero Harm is a fantastic philosophy, but a terrible goal. Let me explain. Those supporting the goal of zero harm will argue if you set a target of anything less, then in effect you are aiming to hurt someone every year. If it's not zero, then it must be a number greater than zero - how many are you allowing to be hurt in your business? While I agree with the concept, it's the practicalities of this goal that create even more needless harm.

One of the yardsticks to measuring harm (however a company defines it) is an outdated concept of Lost time Injuries. This lag (or after the event has occurred) measure is often pegged to bonus payments for employees and managers. Get this rate down, your bonus go up. The easiest way to get the rate down then is not to report an injury. In other words, carry the injury and take one for the team. A recent report into UK rail by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) on UK concluded:

"From the evidence gathered in the review, we consider this real and perceived pressure and fear have arisen as unintended consequences of the Network Rail implementation of the overall strategy for safety (which was consciously designed to improve safety), based on the use of quantitative safety targets, safety performance measures, league tables and contractual requirements linked to the number of reported Riddor lost-time injuries; other management actions, such as the frequent company reorganisations, and the application of a managing for attendance policy."

In another example Volvo have a clearly defined goal of zero harm. Note how the measure of this goal is based around LTI. They are doing so many great things which would have reduced LTI, but given the whole approach of the company to reduce LTI, it really is no surprise the LTI rate has reduced to nothing for 8 months. And who would want to be the one to break the record? Shhhh...it's not that bad mate, no need to report that injury.

But the point of reporting even minor injuries is to allow your business to find out where the next disaster may come from. Minor injuries may arise from an accident that, if the luck had swung the other way, could have been a catastrophe. Have a look at any major accident and you will find a past riddled with under-reporting. I bet (while not scientific) LTI or Lost Time Injuries were also a significant reporting measure within those companies. So having a goal of Zero Harm inadvertently will create a culture of under-reporting in your business. The result is you will move away from becoming a learning culture, and the goal of Zero Harm will increase the number of needless accidents and injuries. However, if you are serious about safety performance then only a full-frontal campaign, an urgency implied by the Zero Harm target will suffice. So what should you do?

In New Zealand, a forum of business leaders have formed under the Zero Harm Workplaces banner, and I think they have taken the right approach. Clearly Zero Harm is the rallying banner, but the Forum's pledge, action plan and picture of a world-class safety leader do not talk about having a Zero Harm goal. It is the mission, or the vision for the forum. Personally I can't stand endless debates around the nuances with words however, this is really important to get it right.

What you need to do then is decide that Zero Harm is the mission of your business, and then set about defining goals (SMART) that will achieve the mission. Critically, you then need to measure how well you are performing. If the goals are well thought through then you can start by developing measures to ensure the goals will be met. What you measure will drive behaviours - choose them carefully. And be careful how the CEO communicates the OSH Zero Harm message within your business.

 

CEO Management Commitment to OSH

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Without doubt the single most important aspect to health and safety (OSH) in your workplace is management commitment. Or put another way, your business could have the most modern H&s system, employees who are well trained in H&S and be well resourced for H&S etc but all of this work can amount to nothing if the CEO is anti or even apathetic about workplace OSH. CEO are clever though! They are not going to walk around telling everyone how H&S is a waste of time and money, no, they are smarter than that. They will simply pay lip service to H&S, and then not take any action at all. To their mind, resourcing a H&S section is 'taking action' - they in effect contract out of owning H&S, so they can 'focus on more important things'. The effect of this lack of visible action and leadership is more damaging than any other H&S investment combined. Imagine the potential then and the step change in performance if you did have all the systems and resources, and your CEO started to verbalise and take action, to lead, H&S in your business.

In Malaysia, the NIOSH have started a new 'CEO Award for OSH' and awarded it for the first time in 2010. What a fantastic idea. In New Zealand we have The New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards 2011 and which has various categories for organisations and two for individuals - but none specifically for a CEO. The actual individual categories are for:

CATEGORY 9:  PRACTITIONER

Safeguard health & safety practitioner of the year.

The person whose enthusiasm, knowledge and drive has made a substantial contribution to workplace health and safety. “Practitioner” means a person with formal responsibility for health and safety within an organisation. (Elected health and safety representatives should be nominated for the Employee category.)

CATEGORY 10: EMPLOYEE

Ross Wilson - NZCTU most influential employee.

An employee who has acted as a champion of health and safety and who has had a significant positive influence on the health and safety culture of his or her organisation.

It could be argued that a CEO could qualify for either of these individual categories as a practitioner or employee, but clearly these individual awards are not intended for Senior Managers. They are to acknowledge those on the coalface of OSH. It could also be argued that a CEO would be happy for his company to win an organisation category. However, given CEO are the person in any business or organisation who singularly have the most influence on OSH, then we should have a separate award to acknowledge excellence. When CEO want to know what behaviours to model off, they will now know where to start.

 

OSH Safety and Employees Use Of Cell Phones While Driving

For over a year now a OSH safety enhancing law on the use of cell phones while driving has been in place, but personally I have seen little change. I was reminded of this only last week driving behind a car doing 40 km/hr in a 50 km/hr area. It wasn't just the fact he was crawling, but the way he was drifting across the road that got me concerned. I immediately thought he must be drunk. Moving out to look at him through his driver's side mirror, I could see him glued to a phone - and then I saw a map being flung about. And then, a few days later, I witnessed a woman texting on her phone while driving on the motorway. She was more aware on her surrounds though, as she was concealing the texting by holding the phone on her lap - she just didn't count on a higher seated van driving past. This got me thinking; is the law change actually driving a more unsafe behaviour? 

Texting while driving has got to be a no-brainer. However, I know myself when a cell phone beeps to signal a 'critical' text message has arrived, I've had to condition myself not to look. We are so conditioned to race to and answer the phone, its little wonder why people read their text while driving - and its a small step to then reply. In the US, the phone giant AT&T were so concerned with this behaviour that they have released an excellent 10 minute video on what can happen.

New Zealand has made a taken a more general approach to its educational campaign, and focused on the use of cell phones while driving, whether texting or talking. The latest advert focus' on the person doing the calling - if you know they are driving then hang up.

It could be argued the law has just driven (excuse the pun) texting underground and forced people to now drive and text with their phone in their lap, as opposed to holding the phone up in the drivers line of sight. I certainly know some people would argue this point - and miss the bigger picture that its dangerous to text regardless of the phone position! My personal experience has been that laws are not always that effective in changing behaviours. I remember my Dad who used to drape the shoulder part of the seat belt across his shoulder, so that it would look like he had his belt on and less likely to be stopped by a cop. This was when New Zealand were running an aggressive campaign to wear seat belts. It was only when us kids kept telling his to just click it in (before the 'make it click' campaign years later) that his behaviour changed. That is, while the Government have taken a legal stance on cell phone use while driving, change will only occur when society buy into and no longer condone this behaviour.

As a business owner or manager then, if you have your employees on the road then you need some kind of policy around use of cell phones while driving. It is a two way street, and not just a case of an employee breaking the law. How does the Head Office safely communicate with the worker on the road ie how do you ensure you are not putting the employee at risk, and breaking the law, by calling and talking to them? Make a simple, clear statement around this particular hazard for both the driving employees, but also the workers in the office. Not only will you ensure compliance with the 'cellphone' law, but you will positively enhance safety behavious and a culture around safety.

PS When I see anyone on the phone while driving, I give them a toot and a 'what are you doing' wave of the hands - most at least have the understanding to look sheepish, which is a start.

PPS And I choose to ignore the cell phone while driving. What do you do?

 

Safety In The Home

In New Zealand about 1 person a minute is injured at home in accidents that a few safety precautions could prevent. Falls and trips are common, burns and cuts in the kitchen, playing with new tools (interestingly you are 8 times more likely to be injured with a non-powered than a powered tool).

Have a look around your home and use this checklist from the ACC.

  * Make sure stairs are well-lit and clear of junk such as toys, sports equipment and shoes. Take stairs one at a time and use the handrail.

* When using a ladder, ask someone else to hold it steady and make sure the ladder is stable before climbing up. Always keep at least three points of contact, for example two feet and one hand.

* When you’re handling new power tools, learn how to use them first. It is also very important to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) when outside. An RCD could save you from being electrocuted when working with power tools outside

* Put safety catches on cupboards holding poisons or knives, and keep cupboard doors closed so you don’t walk into them. Clean up any spills as soon as you see them.

For more ideas see this ACC Home Safety dedicated website.

 

 

Sex Industry Workplace Health and Safety Guide

When New Zealand passed the Prostitution Reform Bill in 2003, the Government regulator led the development of a guide for workplace Health and Safety in the sex industry. Sex Industry - A Guide to Occupational Health and Safety in the New Zealand Like all New Zealand, workers in the sex industry have the right to come home from work safe and well.

The guide is a good reference source for sex workers, whether they are self-employed contractors or brothel owners. That is, it applies to all workers in the sex industry. What may be confusing is, what is a 'place of work'. This is clear when talking about a dedicated brothel, but it also applies in the case of out call work. A home may also be a place of work however, the person whose home it is does not have the duties of a person in control of a place of work in relation to it.

For any business owner, regardless of the industry, it is important to understand the nature of you 'place of work' and duties with respect to health and safety for employees and contractors.

Safety Photos and Safety Images

Safety Photos and Images can help spice up your internal marketing. Everybody responds to a laugh, and as long as no one is hurt, the stupidity of what other people are doing can teach us all. And humour is one of the best ways to help teach your safety message. But there are a few basic rules.

·         Keep it simple. Don't crowd your bulletin board with lots of different pictures. Similarly, ensure the safety photo or safety image has a message that is easy to understand.

·         Reinforce the image with some more specific tools that will help the more curious. Capture their eye, get them engaged, and then provide then detail. While the best picture will subscribe to the 'a picture is worth a thousand words' concept, they are hard to come by.

·         Keep it fresh. Rotate the images and messages so that people start to look forward to the next safety photo.

·         Get employees involved. Ask them to submit their own photos. Recreate an accident; have them write it up and take a safety photo. Give them a digital camera for the week and see what they can come up with.

While safety is a serious business, having a laugh can be the best way to learn safety messages. Try these Safety Photos and Safety Images websites for some ideas.

How Much Will A Workplace Health And Safety Fine Cost?

A recent High Court appeal in New Zealand has significantly increased the workplace health and safety fines. Now the fines have increased with a low culpability fine starting at $50,000, which is 10x greater than what they used to be. What does that mean for a business owner?

The easiest way to avoid a fine is to not allow an accident to occur. While this may not appear to be very helpful advice, it is the very attitude and energy required that will either prevent the accident, or provide significant mitigation when the Judge is considering the level of fine.

As a business owner or manager, you will be aware that you must report any accidents that significantly hurts an employee ('Serious Harm'). The term 'Serious Harm' has a legal definition, but use your gut; what do you think is a bad accident. If you are unsure, simple call the DoL for their advice.

If, despite all your workplace health and safety initiatives the accident does occur, then it is best to be prepared for a possible investigation. The following overseas guides show the level required: an OSHA guide or from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 5 tips to consider.

The Judge will look at your systems to set the level of fine. If you have a workplace health and safety system in place then this will feature in the setting of the fine. Of course, the fine is really the last rung on the ladder - the true cost to your business if prosecuted will be felt financially and personally long before any legal decision is made. Do yourself, your business and your employees a big favour and aim to prevent all accidents.

8 Tips To Minimise Health and Safety Costs

1. Study your industry and find out what the Government recommend and what your competition are doing. The aim is to use best-practice, but not implement systems that don't add value, or are not required.

2. Use Health and Safety Consultants. While it may cost to have them in the short term, it is a cheaper and faster solution than having your employee research and learn these health and safety skills. In addition, the consultant can quickly identify and mitigate any risks in your business. By way of comparison, look at how you use other experts like accountants, lawyers etc.

3. Use your employees! They do the work, use the machines, and have lots of 'street-smarts'. Ask them for ideas on how to improve health and safety in their workplace (PS if you ask the question, be prepared to do something with the result or risk damaging the safety culture).

4. Purchase quality safety equipment. The age old argument of cut-price short wearing Vs long-life value.

5. Train your staff! So they don't hurt themselves or break and damage that expensive equipment.

6. Consider investing (depending upon your size and complexity) in a software solution to minimise administrative work. Such software can also be used to mange maintenance of equipment, vehicles, when safety equipment must be replaced, what training is yet to be completed.

7. Assign a dedicated Health and Safety Manager. The Manager can pick up on the consultants work and become the local champion.

8. Look for a safety equipment provider that may offer different terms eg negotiate discounts for using a sole supplier, or free up cash and go for the rental option.

How Good is New Zealand's Health and Safety Act?

The American safety law has just turned 40, and Labour Notes is calling for a change. They point to an under resourced regulator (about 1/5th the ratio in NZ of inspectors to population) and penalties that don't bite; an average of only US$4k for a violation that result's in a workers death. Interestingly, until just 2 years ago our fines were of the same order, but a High Court ruling has benchmarked and seen fines increase an order of magnitude ie low culpability now starts at NZ$50K.

The Labour Notes article calls for a new approach in the US which '...would require employers to assess their workplaces, determine what hazards are present, and come up with solutions. The standard doesn’t tell employers exactly how they should prevent hazards, but instead provides flexibility in determining the best way to protect employees.'

Sound familiar? It should, as it is the way our Health and Safety Act is written. The Department of Labour (or OSH) does not tell employers how to operate safely...the true test is whether any really bad, or 'Serious Harm' accidents occur. It's the outcome that matters. This brings in other issues ie businesses need to report a Serious Harm accident, but most kiwis know they have to register the accident with the ACC to get funding care - which keeps businesses somewhat motivated to report. Nonetheless, most businesses end up doing nothing by way of hazard identification and reducing workplace safety accidents.

This performance based approach of the Health and Safety Act makes sense, but it somehow needs more support on the coalface; more carrots and sticks.

Quadbike and Farmer Safety

In Australia a recent quadbike death promoted a public statement from the regulator, indicating concern around use of quadbikes on a farm. However, it was way back in 1999 that WorkSafe WA issued their first safety alert on the use of quadbikes.

In New Zealand, a Sunday Star article on the issue (paraphrased in this blog) kicked off the most recent public debate on the use of quadbikes. Wellington's Coroner argued that the Government should make it mandatory to install roll bars and lap belts, however the DoL didn't agree. While the DoL launched a Quadbike safety campaign in Nov 2010, they argue the installation of roll bars has no science proving any safety benefit (however I am watching for this work about to be published and will update idc). But more critically, riders are required to use their balance to control the quadbike, or 'active riding', meaning a lap belt could increase the risk. I have chatted to a few people and while not scientific, they support this concern about compulsory use of lap belts.

What to do? As a farmer and business owner/manager, get informed and prepared. Look at this DoL quadbike specific resource and make your own decisions. And keep an eye on this site for updates J

Safety Bureaucracy

The Health and Safety Executive put out a series of 'Myths of the Month'. This picture below was attached to the following:

'The reality. Health and safety law is often used as an excuse to stop children taking part in exciting activities, but well-managed risk is good for them. It engages their imagination, helps them learn and even teaches them to manage risks for themselves in the future. They won’t understand about risk if they’re wrapped in cotton wool. Risk itself won’t damage children, but ill-managed and overprotective actions could!'

And I totally agree with this approach taken by the HSE. However,  it must be extremely confusing for UK business owners when they read The Telegraph and see 'Teacher sacked after using sledge as example of design technology'. Although some claim this really is just an attempt to get rid of a troublesome teacher.

In New Zealand many similar myths circulate like 'OSH bans lolly scrambles' or 'Children banned from school playground equipment', which I've always put down to overzealous organisers trying to blame the Department of Labour for their decisions. I was somewhat surprised last year to read a newsletter from our local Whenuapai Primary School Head Master discuss the dangers of using School playground equipment outside of normal school hours eg parents doing pickup, as no teachers are around to 'supervise', and therefore ask that kids stop playing on the equipment.

Safety myths come from decisions made by well intentioned but poorly informed people. As a business owner, don't let some half-baked comments around safety force you make some purely bureaucratic based decisions. Instead learn safety and risk management techniques to make informed and legal decisions.

Safety and Setting Up Your Office Work Station

The ACC have had a safety booklet out for years on how to set up your computer. There is even an approved code of practice. While the information is still relevant and can help you populate your H&S Manual, a good interactive guide is the HabitAtWork program. With this tool you can simply provide the link and let your new employees go through a self-paced training course on both preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury in an office environment. There is also an Industrial work environment option. Some companies have even approached the ACC and asked (and been approved) to copy the software so it can be loaded and hosted on their own LAN.

In an office environment these small injuries can definitely affect your businesses output and is worth the effort. Especially if integrated into a complete and tailored safety system.

Top 10 Safety Tips When Working From Home

More New Zealanders are injured in the home than anywhere else. Or more people die from safety accidents in the home than accidents on the road. In response, the ACC have put together a web site dedicated to your home safety. As many business owners work from home, it makes sense to put in the effort to ensure your home is also safe working environment. The effort will protect both you and your family! Start with these Top 10 tips to staying safe at home and then have a look at the videos on this free safety resources page.

What Are The Top 10 US Workplace Safety Tragedies in 2010?

Nearly 5000 people in the US died in workplace accidents in 2010 and according to the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH), most were preventable. The COSH article then lists the 10 most deadliest tragedies for 2010.

Personally I think having a ‘top 10’ doesn’t sit right. Who decided what was the bigger tragedy amongst the 5000 people killed? Nonetheless, the number 2 ranked accident was a US coal mine explosion which coincidently killed 29 workers – the same number that died in New Zealand’s Pike River coal mine accident. According to the article, ‘The accident represents the worst mining disaster in the U.S. since 1970. Public documents show that the mine’s owner, Massey Energy, has a long record of safety violations at the Upper Big Branch mine.’ The various New Zealand investigations are going to be closely watched and debated...

What Safety Lessons Will Come From New Zealand's Pike River Mining Disaster?

The families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mine are adamant the various safety inquiries should be held locally, so that families can take a full part. "The truth will come out of what's happened here," said Mr Monk, a spokesman for the grieving relatives.

Safety professionals are already debating the Pike River investigation. According to a safety forum on the issue, the inquiries will include: "...a DoL Investigation (complete with an overseas mines expert), a Police Investigation, a Coronial Inquest, and a Royal Commission of Injury (complete with an overseas mining expert), that the only danger is that we need a system to put all of the investigation in order. '

These investigations must also look to coal mining lessons overseas. For example, in the US, 2010 was the worst year for coal mining since 1992. While we need to be careful when making comparisons with other countries, 48 miners died in the US in 2010. However, the US operates over 1500 coal mines which could indicate a higher level of safety systems and culture. "Many of the 2010 deaths were caused by gas explosions, moving equipment and other factors long thought to be under the industry's control."

Hopefully New Zealand investigations will discover Pike River did have the best safety systems available; that the Company did the best they could for their men in such a dangerous environment. However, if the safety lessons uncover some uncomfortable truth's, it will be up to the Government and the Mining Industry to make a commitment to ensure Pike River does not happen again.

What Are The Safety Considerations When Buying a New Business?

There are many guidelines on purchasing a new business, but what is often forgotten is the need to evaluate existing safety systems. Once you own the business any accidents and subsequent investigations will be made against you, the new owner, and therefore it's critical to know the state of plant, machinery and the operating systems that will both protect the people and the company assets you have purchased. Arguing 'we have only just bought the business' as a defence will not hold any weight. In Australia a recent court ruling fined the old company and the new owner for a failed H&S system.

So when reviewing and conducting due diligence, make sure you evaluate the H&S performance. Look at annual reports, safety investigations, training records. Are plant and equipment on a regular maintenance schedule? Are contractors to the company required to submit their own H&S plans? Be rigorous in your assessment.

Farm Safety

According to the ACC, a farmer is killed every 28 days and more than 18, 000 injuries occur due to poor handling of animals, quad bikes or farm machinery. Roll over tractor accidents can kill or seriously injure with more than 300 major accidents every year. The ACC have put together a program for farmers which is worth a look, and the Aussies also have something to offer.

The video below brings home the personal impact of such major injuries. Garry Nichols survived a tractor rollover accident, but he describes the impact of the accident on him personally, his wife, friends and family. Gary was keen and bullet proof and was willing to take on the risk in order to succeed. However, after the accident Garry describes how his wife needed to keep the farm going (he wasn't insurance) and how 'the dream is now a nightmare'. The last third of the video then talks about some of the general lessons that can be applied to accident prevention.

The video is worth a look for any small business owner. A reminder to recognise the risk factors, and find ways to mitigate, especially if you are the 'hub' of your business. Make safety integral from the setup - don't be the one to trip yourself up.

Sex and Safety At Work

A business selling sex a mile in the air has been grounded for safety reasons. For the last couple of years a UK airline which allows couples to join the Mile High Club has been grounded after health and safety officials ruled the in-flight action was “too distracting” for its pilots.

Safety is often used in many situations as the reason for stopping activities. From banning lollie scrambles for kids, to rules for customers when visiting a business - or banning activities on a aircraft. How is what happens on this business venture any different then what happens in commercial leased business jets? Security rules now mean there has to be a partition between passengers and aircrew. Surely this would have mitigated the distraction, unless pilot's were turning into Mile High Peeping Toms.

When dealing with safety it is important to separate business, political, cost motivations etc and start with the hazard and risk. Be scientific with your analysis when looking at your own business. What this airline now needs to do is conduct a risk management identify mitigation before reapplying to the CAA. Of course, it would have been more prudent to have conducted this work earlier which could have prevented the business being shut down.