Solving Problem in Health and Safety

Like in most disciplines health and safety presents its own unique problems that need to be solved. In the literature there are a variety of problem solving techniques described and discussed, each with its own peculiar advantages and disadvantages. No one of the systems can be said to be ineffective or inappropriate to solve safety and health problems.

Most of the described techniques contain at least the following approaches in one way or another. The elements described below can be utilised to solve safety and health problems effectively.

Step 1

Establish background about the concepts associated with the problem.

The first thing to do is to make sure that a systems approach is followed. In diagnosing the problem ensure that a planned, systematic and scientific diagnosis is made.

The problem needs to be analysed for the short, medium and long term impacts. It should also be established who the affected parties are and whether the problem is affecting a group or individuals.

The aims of potential solutions should be established to ensure that the focus of finding solutions is in line with expected outcomes. Finally it is extremely important to clearly define the values and norms of the organisation within which the health and safety problem needs to be resolved.

Step 2

Conduct a critical analysis of the problem.

Establish the survey methodology to be followed and ensure that the sample size will be sufficient in size, are representative and is truly random. The best is to get a statistician to assist with this phase.

Once this information is available the survey must be conducted to comply with it.

The survey results must be verifiable by means of statistical methods such as standard deviations and correlation coefficient calculation to ensure that internal and external validity of the survey data is confirmed.

The analysis methodology that is selected must be a suitable approach to isolate the health and safety problems correctly.

It is imperative to isolate the problems based on the survey results. Do not fall in to the trap to mistrust the results of the survey. Remember that if the survey did not identify a problem, a solution should not be developed for the perceived problem.

Step 3

Develop various potential solutions.

It is essential to avoid quick fix solutions as these solutions very seldom solve the fundaments of the problem.

The best way is to develop potential solutions based on the analyzed data from the survey. It will be necessary to reduce the number of potential solutions to those that will address the identified problems and reject the solutions that it not focussed on this.

Before a short list of solutions is agreed upon by the problem solving team the potential solutions should be measure against acceptable practices and theories. A systematic process of reducing the solutions to only include those solutions that address the identified problems should be followed.

Based on the shortlist potential solutions should be developed in more detail.

Before final inclusion all the potential solutions should be evaluated for their impact on other elements of the system. Solutions that may have a negative impact on other parts of the system should be removed from the shortlist.

Step 4

Draft proposals.

Proposals should be drafted in a way that it would be acceptable to all stakeholders. The proposal should contain a detailed description of the solutions recommended.

The proposal should indicate who should do what and when to give appropriate effect to the solution. In short the proposal should include a full implementation schedule of the proposed solutions.

Any good proposal also includes a proposed communication strategy to ensure that all interested and affected parties are aware of the actions about to be taken.

Step 5

Implements the proposal.

Once a decision has been taken as to the exact solution to the problem it is necessary to obtain formal approval for the implementation of the proposed solutions.

Once approval is obtained an implementation schedule should be developed. The implementation schedule should be unpacked to ensure that all the elements of the proposed solution are in fact addressed.

The approved implementation schedule should be followed and any deviation (time or action) should be brought to the attention of the interested and affected parties.

Step 6

Conduct a follow up.

At regular intervals during and subsequent to the implementation of the solutions a team or individual should be in a position to do follow up checks to ensure that the desired effect is achieved.

Any deviation in effect should be analysed and corrective measures appropriate to the deviation should be instituted.

Conclusion

Resolving problems is an integral part of the task of health and safety professionals. If a systematic and structured approach is followed the chances of causing carry over risks to manifest as a result of the developed solutions will be minimized.

© 2009 Carl Marx