Dec 2001 Paper 2 Question 3 – Duplicated from November 2000 – Paper 2 Question 3

a) Describe the indicators and measures that could be used when assessing the H&S
culture of an organisation. (12)

 Attitudes towards H&S by workers/managers and the acceptance of H&S

responsibilities
 Extent of communication on H&S matters
 Compliance with laid-down procedures
 Influence of H&S issues on management decision-making
 Integration of H&S into other management systems (e.g. purchasing)
 Relationship with external bodies (enforcement agencies) and other organisations
 Status of the H&S adviser
 Effectiveness and composition of the safety committee
 Condition of the workplace
 Importance assigned to training in H&S
 Quality of the organisation’s safety policy and its implementation/ effectiveness
 Lack of a blame culture
 Reference to H&S in the organisation’s annual report

b) Review the practical problems that may be encountered when attempting to improve an
organisation’s H&S culture. (8)

 Quality of industrial relations in general within the organisation

 Trust and confidence of the workforce in the ability of management to manage safety
and control risks
 Commitment of management and that of the workforce together with the level of their
motivation
 Resources assigned to H&S
 Level of expertise available
 Resistance of both management and the workforce to change