Effective WHS Information Handling for Workplace Safety

Abstract

Question One: A. Information becomes relevant when it is corrected using a thorough research on the topic under consideration, properly analyzed, interpreted and effectively communicated to the target audience. Organization must comply with the set WHS guidelines while handling WHS related matters to enhance safety for workforce at all times. When dealing with WHS matter, the person/s responsible for correcting WHS information within an organization must express ability to research, analyze and communicate information in an appropriate manner to the workforce and consult about changes that can impact workers with the entire workforce. It is essential to collect the information that is most relevant (systematic and manageable) based on the matter at hand to avoid information overload. Legislation, regulation and code of ethics as set in the WHS Act sets he foundation for organizational policies, guideline and requirements on all matters undertaken within an organization, information handling being among the major. Legal requirement in relation to information protocols can therefore be argued as shared responsibilities by all persons within an organization to enhance a healthy working environment. For example, following the WHS consultation process to allow for coordination amongst all persons that may be impacted by the information or changes on the information earlier communicated. Use of protective clothing is a requirement that enhance realization of safety at workforce thus any information concerning it must be well known to all workforces and disciplinary measures communicated incase of a bleach or ignorance of such a requirement. Managers among other organizational leaders need to be on the front line in information handling otherwise will be working against their obliged legal requirement. WHS Act Section 19 states that “A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of—(a) Workers engaged, or caused to be engaged, by the person; and (b) Workers whose activities in carrying out work are influenced or directed by the person, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking.” Legal requirement on the procedure for updating record demands identification of change such as an update in legislation and revision of current files against changes that should be made in the system. Such requirement remains directed to the realization of an effective information protocol consideration as per the set WHS guidance to enhance safety at workplace. B. 1. Checking researches provided by others serves as a potential method of collecting information. In this method, the information personnel must check whether the collected information is relevant in solving the problem and whether from a credible source to confirm or refute its reliability. 2. Another method of collecting data is checking written materials including referrals and client files. Files containing scanned documents can be used to assist in the decision making process while referrals assist in gathering information. 3. Individual research which is best achieved through consideration of literature reviews from credible sources to analyse the problem at hand. 4. Information from other organization serves as an external party source of information. It helps in analysing the issues from the external party’s point of view which upon consultation with the appropriate staff members the information personnel may consider the information gathered and apply it. 5. Interviews with colleagues/customers come into effect when a report is unclear or when there are several conflicting reports. Interviewing the two parties enhance clarity of the unclear report. Reliability of information remains concerned with how consistent the information in at different sources. Reliable information implies that the information is realistic and applicable to the topic/matter under consideration. To this effect, to confirm whether information is reliable, one must consider the level of results consistency at different times. For instance, coming across certain facts on a matter from one source and re-confirming about them from another source and if consistent, then such results become defined as reliable. Checking reliability of the web-site is also essential in confirming the reliability of information. For instance while searching reliable information on WHS; one should consider sources like WHS professional bodies, WHS specialists and regulatory authorities. However, the type of source of information will be determined by the researchers’ needs and the need to ensure one meets their obligations under WHS Act. To make efficient use of resources, information personnel must ensure that they set systematic and manageable goals of the information process. For instance, expressing their abilities to understand that information is gathered to answer questions, to develop skills and widen knowledge so that the informed can make informed decisions. Such a goal will allow the information personnel to understand the scope and nature of the anticipated search setting the most appropriate time that will be suitable to complete the process. The need to retrieve the most appropriate information on a problem and the need to prepare and obtain appropriate permission to gather information helps in saving time thus enhance efficiency in resource management. C. SMART objective are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time focussed. Specific in that one information personnel’s must specify the results they require through consultation with internal and external parties. Measurable that one ensures desired results the set goals contribute to organizational results. Achievable in that the information personnel prioritise goals in the form of ranking, percentages and time spent. Realistic in that one is able to outline measures used to evaluate how well the desired results will become achieved. Time-focussed in that there are set timeframes that the objective is expected to become realised. I believe this is good way of remembering how to handle information as clearly specify the steps to follow to enhance information handling process. Question Two A: Information protocols as outlined in the WHS Act demands the information people within an organization follow rules that help them identify what information should be shared with personnel, how to communicate such information and who has the authority to access the information. Dissemination of WHS is a requirement of law. To this effect, dissemination of information demands the information personnel’s to ensure that they have the ability to research, analyse and present information in a manner that is appropriate for the recipients of the information. If the problem that they need to resolve is about work health and safety, they should provide the workgroup and any other stakeholder who is impacted or influenced by the proposed change with information on...