How to Use Health and Safety Information Sources
Table of Contents
- Types of Health and Safety Information
- Limitations of Print-Based Information
- Benefits and Practical Use
- References
- Bibliography
Types of Health and Safety Information
When the organization needs information on information and advice on health and safety, consideration is given to either printed information or electronic information. Printed information are usually newspapers and safety data sheets covering substances the organization obtains from suppliers who also received in addition to Goods from manufacturer.
Electronic information are commonly in the form of word and Pdf files communicated through emails and other digital platforms like the Company WhatsApp Page. It is good to mention that printed and electronic sources of information and advice on health and safety all have good potentials and impact on the OHSMS.This is because a combination of the two methods is able to complete a communication cycle.
Limitations of Print-Based Information
When using print-based health and safety files, only one person can have access to the content. Unless of course a number of files are duplicated using a photocopier. The main problem here is wasting a lot of paper to achieve this. The more papers used by industry the more trees will be felled. This is a huge environmental risk leading to degradation. Assuming only 10 people need to view the content at a time. Apart from the paper the toner combinations in the photocopier run a risk of becoming empty earlier than expected. This means the Company will have to release funds to replace. In (Takala, 2021)“Existing documentation could be converted into electronic form and organized in such a way that retrieval will be quick and reliable”.
Benefits and Practical Use
On the high side, especially on projects where every member of the team is actively involved in one thing or the other, a printed copy of health and safety information can be discussed doing toolbox talks, project health and safety meetings or safety standown. After which the paper can be pasted on notice board or permit board depending on the most appropriate. Print-Based and electronic sources of information and advice on health and safety both serve the needs of the organization as and when required. But the key factor for consideration is the most appropriate, most effective under the circumstances under review, more secured option, less expensive, easy to store and retrieve and friendly to the environment.
References
Takala, J., 2021. Chapter 22 - Resources: Information and OSH. [Online]
Available at: http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt22e.htm
[Accessed 20 April 2021].
Bibliography
Egberongbe, H.S., 2011. The use and impact of electronic resources at the University of Lagos.
