Foundation for Human Resources Development
FHRD House,
1, Kampanella Road
San Gwann, Malta
Tel: 00356 21 378895
Fax: 00356 21 381945
Email: info@fhrd.org

Hits: 955459.

Foundation for Human Resources Development>

 

Continuous Professional Development Programme 2010

 

Addressing Risk Perceptions in Health and Safety

 

Course Title	Addressing Risk Perceptions in Health and Safety
Dates:	2nd December 2010
Time:	09.00 – 13.00
Profile of the Trainer:	Elaine Dutton M.Sc Health Psychology (Lond.), B.Psy (Hons.)   Having completed her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Malta, Elaine specialised in the field of Health Psychology by reading for an MSc at UCL, London in 2005. For three years she worked in the field of Health Promotion in Malta where she delivered training on health-related topics to various audiences, including organisations, professional bodies and NGOs. Elaine is also a skilled researcher and has contributed to national health committees and policies.   Her current work involves training, research, developing health education material and individual consultations with clients needing assistance with health-related issues.  Part of Elaine’s portfolio also includes lecturing at the University of Malta and managing EU projects.
Rationale of the Course	Most accidents at the workplace are predictable and avoidable. Accurately appraising risks and hazards is a priority in every health and safety management system, yet this requires all levels of the organisation to be aware of risks and encourage appropriate action.   "My employees think that they can not get injured seriously, as it has never happened before -- yet I know the risk is there…" Does this sound familiar? As this example suggests, perceptions play an integral role in risk-awareness. The way we interpret a situation as ‘high’ or ‘low’ risk, is often based on personal factors such as age and level of experience. It also depends on organisational and cultural factors such as training and peer norms i.e. the way things are normally done. Therefore, risk perceptions often act as a filter influencing the level of attention an individual will pay to a message, the effort placed in following a set of guidelines, the consistency with which such guidelines are adhered to and the overall attitudes and behaviour towards the work carried out.   Any risk awareness strategy will need to be supported equally by the higher levels of management as by those in the lower hierarchy of the organization. It is therefore imperative that risk is framed and communicated in a manner that addresses these perceptions at every level of the organisation, top to bottom. In addition to this, we need to be aware of other factors that may help us develop effective strategies that lead people to take action. Psychological research suggests that although risk-awareness and information are useful, other issues such as individual’s level of confidence in using specific equipment or following a set of guidelines are equally important. This course aims to help participants enter the world of human perception while critically evaluating their own organisational systems such that they may encourage best practices within the organisation in addressing risks to health and safety.
For Whom	This course is for: ·         Persons responsible for the welfare of employees within organisations such as HR executives, Health & Safety Officers, Supervisors and persons in Middle Management. ·         Owners of small enterprises who are either self-employed or employ others. ·         Students/ Persons specialising in Occupational/ Health psychology, Management, Health & Safety and other related areas.   It is assumed that participants will have the necessary thinking and linguistic skills to be able to discuss and critically evaluate the system in which they work.   It is likely that participants in this course will go on to implement this training and address perceptions to health and safety risks within their organisation.
Course Aims and Objectives	The aim of the course is to introduce the concept of perceptions, focusing on individuals’ perceptions to risks and hazards at the place of work. The course shall outline common biases and factors influencing risk perception and help participants develop effective strategies to address risk perceptions such that it can lead to a safer working environment.   After these sessions participants should be able to: ·         Understand the role perceptions play in everyday life ·         Recognize common biases in risk perception at the place of work. ·         Identify personal and organizational factors that may influence perceptions to potential risks and hazards. ·         Develop effective ways of communicating and framing risk to management, staff and co-workers. ·         Recognize other factors in addition to risk awareness that can lead to the right action. ·         Evaluate one’s organization and develop work-based strategies for risk-awareness at the place of work.
Course Content	Defining Perception ·         Understanding the role of perceptions in every day life ·         Understanding the role perceptions play in assessing and acknowledging hazards and/or risks.   ·         Introduce the concept of perception bias highlighting several examples, including; Illusion of invulnerability and the Optimistic/ Pessimistic bias. Defining Risk ·         Distinguishing between risks and hazards ·         Becoming aware of warning signs of potentially hazardous and risky practices/ situations e.g. near misses and minor injuries. ‘It won’t happen to me!’ Identifying personal and organizational factors that may influence perceptions to potential risks and hazards. ·         Introduce personal factors influencing risk perception e.g. age, experience, seniority, knowledge and gender. ·         Discuss issues such as alcohol, drug use and burnout as possible contributors to poor risk perception. ·         Introduce organizational factors influencing risk perception e.g. organizational culture, health and safety regulations, risk awareness strategies. ·         Discuss case-scenarios presented in videos and other examples brought by participants. Developing effective ways of communicating and framing risk to management, staff and co-workers. ·         Introduce the role of verbal and non-verbal communication in risk awareness. ·         Choosing the right ‘communicator’ in communicating risk. ·         Framing risk in an assertive manner – practicing ways how to present risks, consequences and action needed to management, staff and co-workers. Evaluating one’s organization and developing work-based strategies for risk-awareness at the place of work. ·         Critically evaluate one’s own organizational system focusing on factors influencing perceptions to risk and signs of ‘risky’ practices. ·         Discuss work-based strategies for risk-awareness and introducing health and safety practices. ·         Now that we’re aware, what do we do about it? Discuss ways of improving the health and safety culture of the organization by targeting other essential determinants to effective health and safety practices. ·       Evaluation & feedback
Learning Facilitation	Learning facilitation is varied and will involve: ·      Interactive discussions ·      Short videos ·      Analysis of case scenarios in groups ·      Presentation of examples of good practice ·      Tutor feedback to individuals ·      Participants’ critical evaluation of their own systems
Venue:	Casa Leone, Pjazza Robert Samut, Floriana, FRN 1200
Course fee:	Members:             Non members:       With the second person, the company will get the third participant free.
Certificate	Those who attend for 80% of the course will be awarded a certificate
Bookings:	To register on line please go to: http://www.fhrd.org/regform.html or   Please click below for a Registration Form http://www.fhrd.org/RegistrationForm.pdf Bookings to be made by Friday 26th November 2010