Perceptions of Procedures by Operators and Supervisors

Abstract

This paper reports a study carried out on the perceptions of supervisors, technicians and operators of the procedures for seven safety-critical activities. Using a questionnaire in which the subjects rated a variety of attributes, and ranked the different procedures in terms of dangerousness, controllability, susceptibility to violation, a mental model was constructed within which the different procedures can be placed. It was found that there are few differences between supervisors and operators, but where there are these probably relate to the time-scale over which control is exerted. The rated quality of procedures was found not to be related to the perceived Susceptibility to violation. One important finding was that, contrary to the expectations of safety management systems designers, concurrent operation were rated as both less dangerous and more controllable. The conclusion is that such techniques can uncover major differences between how the workforce see procedures and how management believes they are being used.

The effects of a safety climate on safety decision-making

“…These management practices are likely influenced by broader economic conditions, such as the labor market and training budgets Helmreich & Merritt, 1998). In turn, these economic conditions affect the adoption of specific maintenance policies and procedures (e.g., educational requirements, assessment of competence standards) within an organization (Bax, Steijn, & De Witte, 1998;Guldenmund, 2000;Hudson, Van der Graaf, & Verschuur, 1998;McDonald, 1998;Reason, Parker, & Lawton, 1998).…”

“…The concept of policies and procedures deals with communications concerning accessible safety information, attitudes toward safety rules, and compliance with and enforcement of the policies and procedures. The defiance of these communications has been correlated with risk-taking behaviors (Bax et al, 1998;Hudson et al, 1998;Lee, 1998;McDonald, 1998;Reason et al, 1998). Lee (1998) conducted a study that showed that failure to enforce policies and procedures correlates with risk-taking behaviors, and is highly connected with accident involvement in the workplace.…”

“…within an organization (Baxet al, 1998;Guldenmund, 2000;Hudson et al, 1998;McDonald, 1998;Reason et al, 1998).…”

“…Defiance of safety policies and procedures has been correlated with risk-taking behaviors (Bax et al, 1998;Hudson et al, 1998;Lee, 1998;McDonald, 1998;Reason et al, 1998).…”