Organisations

What is an Organisation? w A group of persons who interact with each other in an effort to attain certain predetermined goals or objectives w The earning of money is a specific goal common to everyone. There will be many other shared goals and objectives. There will also be many goals which are not shared, which lead to conflict and ultimately may have a bearing on the success or failure of the organisation

Formal Organisational Structures Every person within the structure has a well-defined role with clear lines of reporting and clear instructions as to standards of performance. These roles are clearly understood by others in the organisation so that everyone acts in concert to achieve the organisational objectives.

Informal Organisational Structure w An organisational chart cannot identify all interactions which occur between staff w inevitably it will be the quality of personal relationships which determines how communications flow within a company and “how things get done” w The informal structure cannot replace the formal structure, but works within it

Informal Organisational Structure Play golf together Brothers-in-Law At University Together Members of Company Football Team

Organising for Health & Safety w The Four C’s: Control Co-operation Communication Competence

Control w Managers lead by example w Clear allocation of responsibilities w Ensuring accountability w Setting realistic targets and providing positive reinforcement w Provide adequate supervision, instruction & guidance w Provide a payment & reward scheme which avoids conflict between production targets and health & safety requirements

Co-operation w Involve employees & safety reps in: Policy formulation & development Planning, implementing, measuring, auditing and reviewing performance Arrangements at operational level in support of more formal participative measures

Communication w Ensure effective communication by means of: Visible behaviour Written material Face-to-face discussion

Competence w Ensuring competence by means of : Recruitment Selection Placement Transfer & training Provision of adequate specialist advice

Role of the Safety Practitioner w Prime duty is to promote health & safety w Does not absorb any of the line management responsibilities for h&s w H&S is not an optional extra for managers; it is part of their role, of equal importance as their other duties

MHSWR 1999 w Regulation 7: Appoint someone to be responsible for health & safety Ensure the competence of the appointed person Ensure they have adequate resources to carry out the role properly Ensure the details of the appointed person are made known to all personnel within the organisation

External Influences on a Company The Organisation Trading Environment Insurance Companies Laws Legislation PublicUnions HSE