Measuring Performance Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Measuring Performance flashcards as text
What is the purpose of setting health and safety objectives?
Answer: To provide measurable targets that drive improvement, focus resources, and demonstrate commitment to safety
Health and safety objectives provide clear, measurable targets that drive improvement across the organisation. They should align with the safety policy, be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and address identified priorities from risk assessments, audits and performance data.
What is 'safety sampling'?
Answer: A technique involving systematic observation of specific safety aspects across different areas to assess overall compliance levels
Safety sampling involves selecting specific safety aspects (e.g., housekeeping, PPE usage, signage) and systematically observing them across multiple areas or times to assess overall compliance levels. It provides a snapshot of safety conditions and can identify areas needing attention.
How can health and safety performance be linked to business performance?
Answer: Through reduced costs (fewer accidents, lower insurance), improved productivity, better staff retention, enhanced reputation, and fewer disruptions
Good safety performance directly impacts business performance through: reduced accident costs (compensation, damage, fines), lower insurance premiums, improved productivity (fewer disruptions), better employee morale and retention, enhanced reputation with customers and investors, and reduced legal risks.
What is a 'positive performance indicator' (PPI)?
Answer: A leading indicator that measures proactive safety activities, such as training completed, inspections carried out, or hazards reported
Positive performance indicators measure proactive safety activities and inputs rather than negative outcomes. Examples include: percentage of risk assessments reviewed on time, training completion rates, number of safety observations conducted, hazard reporting rates, and action plan completion rates.
What is the 'balanced scorecard' approach to safety performance?
Answer: An approach that measures safety performance across multiple perspectives including leading/lagging indicators, financial impact, stakeholder satisfaction, and organisational learning
The balanced scorecard approach measures safety performance across multiple dimensions — not just accident statistics. It includes leading and lagging indicators, financial measures (cost of accidents), stakeholder perspectives (worker satisfaction, regulatory compliance), and learning/growth (training, culture).
What is 'health surveillance' as a monitoring tool?
Answer: Systematic monitoring of workers' health to detect early signs of work-related ill health from specific workplace exposures
Health surveillance is a systematic, regular review of the health of workers exposed to specific workplace health risks. It includes techniques such as lung function tests (for respiratory hazards), hearing tests (for noise), skin checks (for dermatitis), and blood tests (for lead exposure).