IOSH Measuring Performance 3

Question 1

What is 'reactive monitoring' of health and safety?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring based on events that have already occurred, such as accident investigation, ill-health analysis, and complaint review

Answer

Reactive monitoring involves reviewing and learning from events that have already occurred — accidents, incidents, near misses, cases of ill health, complaints, and enforcement actions. It identifies what went wrong and why, so that corrective measures can be implemented.

Question 2

How can near-miss reporting rates be used as a performance indicator?

Accepted Answer

An increasing near-miss reporting rate can indicate a positive safety culture where workers feel confident to report, enabling proactive risk reduction

Answer

A high or increasing near-miss reporting rate is generally a positive indicator — it suggests workers trust the system and are willing to report. This provides valuable data for proactive risk reduction. A low rate may indicate under-reporting due to fear, apathy or a blame culture.

Question 3

What is a 'safety observation programme'?

Accepted Answer

A structured programme where trained observers watch work activities to identify safe and unsafe behaviours, providing feedback

Answer

A safety observation programme involves trained observers systematically watching work activities to identify both safe and unsafe behaviours. Observations are recorded, feedback is provided (usually immediately), and data is analysed to identify trends. It is a form of behavioural safety monitoring.

Question 4

What is a 'Key Performance Indicator' (KPI) for health and safety?

Accepted Answer

A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively the organisation is achieving its health and safety objectives

Answer

A KPI is a measurable value used to evaluate the success of an organisation in meeting its health and safety objectives. KPIs should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and include both leading and lagging measures.

Question 5

What is the role of management review in safety performance measurement?

Accepted Answer

Regular review of safety performance data by management to identify trends, allocate resources, set objectives, and drive continuous improvement

Answer

Management review is a critical part of the PDCA cycle. Senior management should regularly review all safety performance data (leading and lagging indicators, audit results, investigation findings), identify trends and areas for improvement, allocate resources, and set objectives for continuous improvement.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Measuring Performance 3