To All You H.R. People Out There in South Africa

The training profession brings one into contact with folk from all walks of life , gender, race, religion and beliefs. What an absolute privilege to meet different folk on a daily basis, boy, am I blessed!

Notwithstanding the cultural nuances and quirks, most folk that I train are of an African descent, members of the various tribes we have in Southern Africa with a rich cultural heritage and wonderful cliches and mannerisms.

When training folk one is privy to private information, the most obvious would be Date Of Birth and Identity numbers, this information gives one a clear indication of the age groups one is involved in training and obviously the gender and tribal origin (purely by their surnames)

It is a sincere regret that I have to announce the following, most of these disadvantaged folk find permanent employment at the ripe age of 28-32 years old, a very distressing statistic, one third of their life is past them and their climb has only just begun. Many have had contract and menial (entry level employment) in the past and amongst others any labour based enterprise that requires pure labourers, have been all they know.

Why am I mentioning this to you all?

Developing these late blossoms takes a special approach and careful career mapping; most of these folk are so overjoyed at their permanent employment status that thoughts of ladder climbing are furthest from their desires.

What can one do?

1.       These folk take their jobs extremely seriously and feel their contribution toward the organizations success is meaningful.

2.       Their absolute greed and thirst for skills is a prominent feature of their person.

3.       The loyalty they portray is unmatched.

4.       Their reaction to praise and encouragement brings on perfect pearly white teeth and a beaming disposition.

5.       Their pride upon any achievement is admirable.

6.       Look at their dress, corporate wear is worn proudly and neatly and is clean, really good examples.

Yet, their knowledge of legislative and mandatory compliance issues is abysmal, and they soak all related information up until the proverbial sponge is over saturated.

We have a number of opportunities to harness this enthusiasm, yet companies refrain from thinking and have training departments purely focused on corporate and product information, what a waste of resources and opportunity.

Vernon is an Expert facilitator, specializing in Franchising, Health and Safety and Customer service training –   for more information contact -  vernonboxall@gmail.com

Hazard Communication - Is it really communication?

When completing a Baseline Risk Assessment one of my personal pet focus areas remain – Hazard Communication. We are not talking about the chemical or nuclear latent hazard, this is more like the subtle overlooked warning that employees could expect to be, informed by.

The size of the company really is irrelevant both large, to small companies are just as negligent and ill informed as to their responsibility toward compliance and reasonable necessary diligence, applicable to the subject.

Here are the major omissions that companies and corporations are guilty of:

a.       Yard or premises speed limit not displayed prominently and not at the entrance.

b.      Loading dock edges are unprotected, and, there is not a single sign warning employees and visitors that the edges are unprotected.

c.       Moving traffic –There is no warning of moving traffic including lifting machinery.

d.      PPE requirements for certain areas – there is no signage, indicating PPE preferences and mandatory requirements.

e.      Crush Injuries at loading bays – No warning or requirements regarding trucks backing into an elevated loading bay.

f.        Environmental – Absolutely zip or no communication regarding environmental requirements, leaving carbon laden engines running, plastics littering the premises, trees and plant beds used as refuse areas and ash trays.

g.       Authorised and unauthorised areas are not, clearly demarcated.

h.      Warning of waste pallets which incidentally have nails protruding from them is non- existent.

i.         Clearly and prominently displayed, emergency procedures, and assembly area are lacking..

j.        No meaningful welcome sign, one that perhaps implores visitors to comply, beware and exercise caution, perhaps along these lines – “We love our customers and visitors and would hate that anything happened to them whilst in our care, please be aware of both mandatory and statutory requirements of entry to our premises.”

k.       Finally, I am aware that indemnity law is not practiced and enforced, however, all good communicators will post an indemnity notice at entrances to their premises, it has an effect of compelling visitors to practice caution.

When researching the legal requirements with regard to Hazard Communication, it was and remains frustrating and extremely vague both in USA and South Africa, the USA and OSHA have the 1900.1200 series of STANDARDS these pertain more to Hazardous Substances. There is a standard for my brief mentioned above; however, finding it is a hassle.

In South Africa we have Section 13. Of Act 85 of 1993, “Duty to Inform” , then we have General Safety Regulation 2B which relates to signage for emergency purposes. Once again the much maligned Section 8 of Act 85 of 1993 could be construed as a “Duty of the Employer” to provide a safe and hazard free work environment, section 8 and section 10 are in my opinion too broadly defined and are loaded with a myriad of references and requirements perhaps over-loaded.

Solutions to OSHA - Elevated Work Citations

OSHA CITATIONS 2017

Studying the citation statistics for 2017, one is ultimately forced into an alarming conclusion, considering that citations only represent the tip of the iceberg (only the unlucky folk that are caught by OHSA) If we work on a 33% ratio, then it is safe to assume that 66% of all incidents/accidents go unchecked or unnoticed.

Really scary and thought provoking, that in the modern era we can lag with addressing this dilemma.

OHSA CITATION STATISTICS 2017

1.      Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 6,072 violations

2.      Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 4,176

3.      Scaffolding (1926.451): 3,288

4.      Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 3,097

5.      Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,877

6.      Ladders (1926.1053): 2,241

7.      Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,162

8.      Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,933

9.      Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 1,523

10.  Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305): 1,405

The top-ten list!!!

Of the top-ten the following represent elevated work.

1.      Fall Protection

2.      Scaffolding

3.      Ladders

4.      Fall Protection – Training Requirements

A further category to elevated work, could possibly included – Hazard Communication!

Thus we can conclude that 50% of all citations are elevated work related.

Why do we have this dilemma?

If we conduct a thorough Risk Assessment based on live situational input, the conclusion would be – High Probability X High Severity.  That particular quadrant would point to – Terminating or curtailing that particular activity.  Many activities at an elevated height are temporary in nature and their duration leads us to believe we can control consequence in most instances of elevated work.

Can we really control a myriad of risk, hazard factors to absolute satisfaction?

Never would be the answer!!

What would be the answer?

1.      Fall Protection Plan – The mechanics remain constant, good planning brings good results.  Make F.P.P. compulsory for all work at an elevated height.

2.      Compiling a F.P.P. ensures that all elevated work should be certifiable – e.g. – New Building – Maintenance (Infrastructure)- Maintenance (Machinery) – Live electrical (HV)(MV)LV) Roofing, this can define levels of:

                                                              i.      Energy

                                                            ii.      Risk

                                                          iii.      Expertise

                                                           iv.      Duration

                                                             v.      Equipment

                                                           vi.      PPE

                                                         vii.      Access

                                                       viii.      Egress

                                                           ix.      Rescue

                                                             x.      Post task analysis

3.      Secondly, all tradesman, workers, and artisans should undergo a compulsory annual medical check, and be in possession of such proof.  Lifestyle diseases creep up on us and could lead to devastating workplace accidents.  Responsibility is waning dramatically, and responsibility should be a standard condition of employment or service.

4.      Employer obligations with regard to elevated work are very conveniently not always understood, issuing an annual OHSA “licence” for elevated work would alleviate this perceived ignorance, the small fee payable would then be spent on extra inspectors and regional expenses.

5.      Perhaps all elevated work should be subject to a “work permit” being issued by a recognised issuing authority.  The permit should include a comprehensive checklist.

6.      There is a dire need for improved training, in South Africa it is absolutely woeful, outdated reference material, outdated unit standards and unqualified facilitators.  In USA it cannot be different, thus, we can safely conclude that the training is far short of required standards.

7.      Assessment of training is even worse; one cannot definitely gauge the candidate’s competency and comprehension or gravity of the demands of elevated work.  The foundational assessment should be tough and ask the right questions, multiple- choice answers on a printed sheet do not meet stringent requirements; it is a simple matter of life or death.

8.       Equipment, quality equipment is not cheap, a retractable lifeline is a great example, and employers place a value or price premium that could make the task at hand prohibitively expensive.  A good business idea awaits the right entrepreneur, start a hire company that hires out safety equipment.  The working at heights helmet is 15 times more expensive than a conventional hard hat, this is a no brainer when making economic decisions, and a conventional hard hat is preferred 9 out of 10 times with the resulting dire consequence waiting.

9.      The ladder, a logical springboard or access to elevated work is in most instances totally ignored in the elevated work curriculum, NO decent ladder training is available, no ladder inspection registers are, maintained, no material specification (no steel ladder on electrical installations).Ladder accidents account for approximately 3000 deaths globally annually.

10.  Finally, a miniscule amount of operators and organizations have a sustainable rescue plan, the answer they offer is normally “we do not plan for a failure” yip, these wise asses then use up time and resources to effect a rescue they did not plan for.

This alarming statistic cannot be, ignored; OHSA has an obligation to get tougher on working at heights compliance and enforcement.

Vernon is a freelance safety facilitator in South Africa, working at heights is a personal passion...

Safety Focus Fragmentation

Focus Fragmentation

Safety Officers and Professionals experience difficulty in correctly focussing on critical safety areas.  The safety officers, only to appease themselves and management adopt a blanket general approach.  This blanket approach can lead to a less than satisfactory approach to eliminating hazards and preventing accidents.  There is a tendency to subscribe to OSHA updates and specifications thus interpreting what is either, not permissible and what is permissible. Not what is necessarily BEST!

Short-term gratification then gives way to long-term compliance; the policy appears fragmented and non- cohesive.  Problems and incidents appear through the cracks and the organization is left pondering its own fate and direction.

By examining an aspect of Safety Management (Working@Heights) we can highlight the first domino in the chain.  Safety Audits highlight disparate areas and shortcomings and lead to a reactive approach.  Do not be reactive!

Working @ Heights

1.       Start by defining every single instance of elevated work (not just those 6” or 2m from the ground)

2.       Research as much as one can on each aspect of your defined elevated work. Compile notes.  Unit Standards- ANSI Specs – Whatever legislated prescription that is available.

3.       Prepare a comprehensive Fall Protection Plan – Focussed on each elevated work task, not just a blanket approach.  Do not forget to include ALL equipment specifications.

4.       Supplement the Fall Protection Plan with an exacting and accurate Rescue Plan, one cannot use generalized terms and references, it must be achievable and attainable without any delay and/or hindrance.

5.       Thrash out the draft with senior management and engineers.

6.       Present the revised draft to the persons responsible for working at height.

7.       Sit once again with management and their team.  (Review)

8.       Train every worker – Keep record and assessment results.

9.       Stick it in the Induction Program

1.   Stick it into the Company Policy File

1.   Ensure contractors receive a copy and present their OWN Fall Protection Plan

1.   Review Annually

Now your focus is no more a fragmented one, the lengthy process may seem onerous, yet the satisfaction of unveiling possible low focus and grey areas makes it worthwhile. One cannot operate outside of a fall protection plan.

Du Pont Bradley Curve

With regard to my previous post on Safety Statistics, when speaking or training senior company members I find that their preoccupation with DuPont Bradley is pretty marked and intensive.  Perhaps it is the Nirvana of having Interdependent teams in their organizations that drives their desire.

Yet, in a class situation when I request delegates to determine their position on the curve, I normally have to leave the training room as delegates (from same organization) fight it out whilst attempting to determine their position (company/organization)  the heated arguments that emerge are at times embarrassing and worrisome.

I have to wait for a call to return, on my return the nominated spokesman stands up and blurts out “we are currently between – Dependent and Independent – I normally confirm with all delegates whether they are in unified agreement, if a quorum is achieved we can set about the business of determining the steps and resources required to achieve Interdependent teams.  Normally the lower paid employees tend to see it far differently than their management counterparts; the chasm that exists can be, attributed to the awareness that the executive have created, constraints to safety development and ultimately management and leadership styles.

Now, here is the defining factor, the LAST consideration they ALL make is the “COST” of achieving their Interdependence goal, when I raise the budgetary screen the combined sigh is very audible and exasperating from delegates.

Once again, proof that safety is not regarded as a major productivity and financial cost issue!

Safety Statistics - What Are They Telling Us?

Whilst the compilation of safety statistics can point us toward our “next” disabling incident, the amount of time, energy, and effort that goes into keeping accurate statistics is seemingly, in most industry professional’s opinion a contributing factor toward safety ignorance.

Why make such an outrageous claim?

The majority of organizations, mines, and companies are in “BUSINESS” business equates to profit or return on investment.  The last thing incumbent investors and stakeholders need is the hour ratios, or minutes.  This could possibly be a drag on production and/or profits.

  The statistics build a silent and secretive animosity toward Occupational Health and Safety by senior management and stakeholders alike.  “What is nice is not always best” “A Necessary pain”, or, “Part of the cost of ore”

Safety statistics could be, better served when measured against productivity, quantitative measurement the ideal for all financial managers.  Safety programs have a major impact on productivity, down time due to incidents are costly and positive productivity is negligible.  What is the cost of safety per can of beans or ton of ore?

The ratio – Output         the greatest measurement every safety professional should be using.

                     Input

The accumulative cost associated with the safety effort and program can be hidden or masked in other operational budgets, whilst some organizations have a budgetary cost centre called “Compliance” this will always present a skewed projection on the provisional income statement.

A Business approach to Safety is essential!

Learning Made Easy

English: Method for learning and education. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having being in training in a direct and indirect manner since 1988, I have studied, applied and practiced many methods of instruction and educating. My stint as a home-schooling art teacher to pre-schoolers and first graders included.

Perhaps my varied subject matter stands me in good stead and has provided the background to this post.

Learning is at most times a frightening experience to most folk, when we young, peer support and parental support aid us in grasping subject matter, we can comfortably ask for assistance WITHOUT the embarrassment of ridicule or judgment.

What is learning?

Learning is the embracing of the following.

1. Engagement of the mind.
2. Engagement of the senses
3. Engagement of the soul through aspiration and dreams.
4. Adding to a persons skill set
5. Most importantly, adding a batch of words to their vocabulary.

If one understands terms, words, names and phrases pertaining to a subject, then, it is safe to assume that you grasp the fundamentals of the subject matter, not grasping any of the aforementioned leaves holes in your interpretation and eventual understanding and use.

Having trained  and instructed in Africa, where the greatest barriers to learning are:

1. Language
2. Cultural differences
3. Literacy
4. Poverty

KEYWORDS

I abhor folk writing away at supersonic speed in my classroom, I provide ample printed copy, my favorite saying in class " I am not here to engage the hand, I am here to engage the mind"
If I wanted to engage your hand I would shake it, kiss it or slap it with a high or low five. . .
I have found that with a subject that is new to delegates I prepare into my lesson plan a set of "KEYWORDS" with their translation. I summarize, explain and tend to dwell on these keywords, when my session is done, every single delegate has learned new words related to their profession  and can interact with superiors and peers quite comfortably.
Proof of my success is the feedback document we ask delegates to complete are filled with their new KEYWORDS . . . . . .
"Engaging the mind is the key to education . . .

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