WSE Audit analysed (Aug 04)
ACC is concerned about employers who cost too much in claims. [ see our 2003 article ]
The ACC rationale is stated as follows:
"[ This ] initiative only applies to employers with claims that are significantly greater in number and/or severity than other employers in the same industry. These employers unfairly add to the ACC levy burden on other employers in their industry".
So employers who identify themselves by high claims costs or frequencies will receive attention.
In identifying this group, we understand ACC has found, to its chagrin, that a large proportion of poor performers are already approved members of the "WSMP Scheme", which should have meant they were safer employers. These employers, of course, cannot now be put through the WSE, because they have the official seal of approval! Hmmmm, wonder what might be said behind the scenes, though!
Those identified will get "help" from an ACC injury prevention consultant and asked to improve over an agreed time period. If they do not improve, they will be assessed by an independent auditor. Failure to score necessary points will result in a 50% loading on their premium for up to 2 years, pending a re-audit.
The obvious expectation is that this relentless examination and extra cost will eventually lead to better performance.
The WSE audit is not as much a "Systems Audit" as the WSMP audit is. In WSE, the auditor observes the organisation's practices and procedures in action, tours the workplace and conducts random interviews with employees. The audit is focused on verifiable actions.
During the audit, ACC advises that participants should ask questions and take notes about discussions with the auditor.
At the end of the audit a report is prepared by the auditor and mailed to ACC and each participant in the audit. This decision as to the next step is ACC's and is not the auditor's.
The audit has three related sections made up of a series of 20 questions.
To pass the audit there must be satisfactory answers to at least 80% of all of the [ applicable ] questions in each section.
Section 1 deals with Safety Education and Training. It requires a pass mark of 4 out of 5 and looks at induction training, safe procedures, information about hazards, supervision, licences, certificates and use of safety equipment
Section 2 deals with Hazard identification, Assessment, and Control. It requires a pass mark of 8 out of 10 and looks at joint identification of hazards, records of hazards, rating the risk, the existence and suitability of risk controls, monitoring of hazards and protection of visitors and contractors.
Section 3 deals with Accident and Incident reporting, investigation and follow up. It requires a pass mark of 4 out of 5 and looks at procedures to record and report accidents [ including to OSH ] and the investigation and follow up measures
There
are three main types of verification that the auditor
will use:
- Documentation - may include written policies, training records, rules, work procedures, job descriptions, or minutes of meetings.
- Interview - discussion of the audit process with management and employee representatives. The auditor may conduct interviews with employees, supervisors and managers.
- Observation - The auditor observes indicators such as housekeeping, production processes, job tasks, machine/equipment function and use of personal protective equipment or clothing.
Finally, ACC may ask further questions of the auditor to help in making its decision.
Summary
This audit is a condensed version of the
WSMP standard. While it lacks the frills [ such
as planning and review activities ], it's pretty
much the same set of requirements that you might
expect of any safety system.
Where it differs, quite importantly, is:
- The employer is "in the dock"
- The auditor is looking for actual actions and behaviours, not good intent
- With 50% premium loading hanging over their head, the employer is going to be a bit more focused!
Prediction: This approach must soon be reflected
in the WSMP audit and also the approach expected of
auditors, particularly if the WSMP fails to reduce the
accident rates of its members.
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