MODULE 8: EVALUATING THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Evaluation Process

Step One. Determine where we are now - identify and analyze!
Step 2: Determine best policies and practices for your industry - visualize!

Step 3. Evaluate the system for strengths and weaknesses, scrutinize!

The primary question: How well are system components working? Use outside experts Rate the current system against best practices. You may want to develop something like the rating system below as part of your evaluation process.

5-Fully Met: Analysis indicates the condition, behavior, or action described in this statement is fully met and effectively applied. There is room for continuous improvement, but workplace conditions and behaviors, indicate effective application. (Employees have full knowledge and express positive attitudes. Employees and managers not only comply, but exceed expectations. Effective leadership is emphasized and exercised. Safety policies and standards are clear, concise, fair, informative and directive, and communicate commitment to everyone. Results in this area reflect continual improvement is occurring. This area is fully integrated into line management. First line management reflects safe attitude and behavior. Safety is first priority.

3-Mostly Met: Analysis indicates the condition, behavior, or action described in this statement is adequate, but there is still room for improvement. Workplace conditions, if applicable, indicate compliance in this area. Employees have adequate knowledge and express generally positive attitudes. Some degree of trust between management and labor exists. Employees and managers comply with standards. Leadership is adequate in this area. Safety policies and standards are in place and are generally clear, concise, fair, informative and directive. Results in this area are consistently positive, but may not reflect continual improvement.

1-Partially Met: Analysis indicates the condition, behavior, or action described in this statement is partially met. Application is most likely too inadequate to be effective. Workplace conditions, if applicable, indicate improvement is needed in this area. Employees lack adequate knowledge, express generally negative attitudes. Mistrust may exist between management and labor. Employees and managers fail to adequately comply or fulfill their accountabilities. Lack of adequate management and leadership in this area. Safety policies and standards are in place and are generally clear, concise, fair, informative and directive. Results in this area are inconsistent, negative, and does not reflect continual improvement.

0-Not Present: Analysis indicates the condition, behavior, or action described in this statement does not exist or occur. Apply the criteria above when conducting an audit or survey