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Posted By Owen Needles
I will shortly be starting my first full time H&S job with a new company. Obviously i want to make a good impression and start off on the right foot. I intend to carry out audits to fully establish what is already in place (and what is not) and what is or is not working etc.
Has anyone got any advice on how to get a good balance between showing your new company that you mean business but at the same time not upsetting everyone by making too many changes.
Thanks in advance.
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Posted By Max Bancroft
Perhaps you might check if there has been a previous audit and dig it out & check if everything picked up by it was in fact carried out.
If there are some issues still unresolved & they are important then you could pursue them.
If that doesn't apply then it depends some extent on the size of the company and what they do - mostly office work, mostly machinery - in which case you could audit against the DSE Regs or PUWER. If chemicals look at what they do against COSHH Regs.
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Posted By Alexis B
Owen
I agree with Max. Additionally, I would use the audit to highlight the things they are doing right, what they are good at. Find things to praise before adding in the areas they can improve upon.
Alexis
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Posted By AF
The comments specified by both Max and Alexis are good, on the other hand, without casting doubt on your predecessor audits, why not conduct an overall "Gap Analysis" of your own.
This way at least you can audit the company from every angle, and identify their Strengths & weaknesses (as well as potential opportunities and threats).
You can then prepare a programme of action, identifying those with the highest risk to the business at the forefront. You may well find the board/budget holders will grant you the finances to tackle each aspect one by one without putting a drain on the company finances.
Remembering to involve and communicate with others is the key issue
This way, you can take it slowly but surely, and gain the respect of everyone, who will see you as a key player rather than someone who comes down hard all the time.
Alex
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Posted By CFT
Take a few days to settle in and draw up a plan. Check and re check changes that you wish to make before actually making a major change to working practices, and do involve as many people as you can.
Good luck
CFT
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Posted By Anthony Slinger
Take the time to get out to the "sharp end" and speak to as many people as possible and listen to what they have to say and ask enquiring questions, getting a feel for the general safety culture.
I do not like the "new broom sweeps clean approach", but a gentle intergration over a period of time.
Most of all show commitment to creating a positive culture..
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Posted By Owen Needles
As ever, useful advice and i'm grateful to all those who have contributed. Many thanks.
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Posted By Shane J
Always have the relevant legislation to back up any statements you make.
Slip up once and you could loose credibility.
I know a H&S Site officer who used to make up his own rules, was caught out and was thereafter referred to as the "tool bag" by the site foreman.
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Posted By Ellen E Bunting
I agree with anthony's comments.
As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. It is imperative that you carry out task observations, talk to the operatives, get a feel for the place before rushing in all guns blazing. Identify and prioritise the key issues then plan and address them . This may take some time so be patient. I would however suggest that you communicate your findings along with your recommendations for corrective action to the MD, either in report form or during your health and safety meetings on a regular basis.
A friend of mine recently got into hot water for authorising the purchase of a new chair for an employee with back problems, the chair cost £500.00 and has made a huge difference to the employee's condition, however it has caused some degree of friction in the office with the other employees and of course the MD is not happy as he was not kept up to date on the situation.
Good Luck - keep us posted
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Posted By Delwynne
I totally agree with Anthony & Ellen - talk to people, talk to people some more & then go out & talk to them all again!
In my (limited) experience, generally the employees/the people on the sharp end have a really good idea of what needs changing & what needs leaving alone. Their opinions, combined with your own observations, should give you a list as long as your arm to go at.
Good luck & I hope you enjoy it.
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