NEBOSH NATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE

UNIT 3

ORGANISING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Responsibilities of EmployersTo EmployeesA general duty is placed on the employer to provide and maintain:A safe working environment and equipment.Adequate welfare facilities and safe systems of work.Suitable training and information.

Responsibilities of EmployersTo other personsTo provide adequate safeguards to protect others from harmTo visitorsVisitors may include trespassers but employers must prevent unlawful entry, especially for children.

Responsibilities of Directors and Senior ManagersResponsible for setting general policy and objectives of the organisation and making resources available.Responsible for ensuring that the company complies with existing policies and legislation.Responsible for providing leadership in health and safety matters.

Responsibilities of Middle Manager and SupervisorsThey should ensure:Health and safety policies are implemented and monitored.Safe systems of work and equipment are provided.Incidents are recorded and investigated.

Responsibilities of Health and Safety PractitionersAll organisations need to have access to specialist health and safety practitioners to help with complying with the extensive legislative requirements.Giving advice on how improvements may be made will also be a major part of the role.The range of responsibilities may be extensive, depending upon the nature of the organisation and the work carried out.

Responsibilities of EmployeesTo take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.To co-operate with the employer in respect of their health and safety duties.To report any defects or incidents to the employer.

Persons in control of premisesShould ensure that premises and the means of access and egress are safe and well maintained.Self-Employed PersonsMust ensure their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

General Duties of Suppliers, Manufacturers etc.Article 12 of ILO Convention 155 states: Persons who design, manufacture and/or supply articles and substances must ensure that they are designed and constructed so that they are safe and without risks to health at all times when being used or maintained by a person at work

Relationship between client and contractorContractors are engaged to perform a certain task without close supervision or direction from the client.The responsibility for risk control is shared:The client being responsible for the workplace, environment and their workersThe contractor being responsible for the job and their workers.

Effective Planning and Co-ordination of Contracted WorkPrior to contract the client should:Define the task(s) that the contractor is required to carry out.Detail the health and safety issues and the people responsible for reducing the risks.During the work the client should:Introduce a signing in and out procedure.Ensure the contractor provides a named site contact.Carry out site induction training for all contractor employees.Implement checking and reviewing procedures

Selection of ContractorsIt is necessary to ensure that the contractor chosen is capable of doing the work required safely.The client should:Determine what technical and safety competence is required.Ask the contractor to supply evidence of that competenceAsk the contractor to supply evidence of previous experience

Selection of ContractorsWhat information do you need to see?Safety policyDetails of monitoring & supervisionTrainingSub-contractorsAccident & enforcement detailsExperience with referencesInsurance coverRisk assessment/method statement

Consultation with employeesConsultation means not only giving information but listening to employees comments. Consultation should take place on:Introduction of any measure affecting the health and safety of the employees concerned.The appointment of persons nominated to provide health and safety assistance, and assist in emergency procedures.Any health and safety training or information the employer is required to provide to the employees or the safety representatives.

Safety CirclesSmall groups of employees who meet informally to discuss health and safety problems in their areas.Works and Office CommitteesShop floor representatives, supervisors and managers who meet to discuss general health and safety matters affecting the company.