Health and Safety - Lab Report Example

 Part 1: Introduction Since I need skills relative to health, safety and environment management I choose to join the British University for my undergraduate level. I have served as a senior safety personnel in oil and gas refinery for more than 10 years and I hold the same position at present. In future I intend to have my career goals contributing to the efforts aimed at promoting health, safety and environmental quality. I will do this in both at the local, national and international levels. I will embrace this endeavor through the knowledge that I gained during the study. The knowledge I will gain from the study will be my driving force in addressing the environmental concerns that affects the society. It is notable that the government has not taken any step to offer solutions relative to these societal issues. I will use my expertise to engage the society on the health, safety and environment management. I will be committed to I intend to creating awareness to the world population on the necessity to promote environmental conservation. In addition, I intend to use my skills to promote occupational safety in industrial and business premises. I will do this through promotion for appropriate regulations. On a similar regard, I plan to engage in activities that will help in promoting public health especially in poor and low-income communities. In most cases, the rural communities are left abandoned by any government that they elect to look into their wellbeing. Pleas only answer the questions that asked us in the above picture. Part 2: Expectations My hopes were high after joining the world class University. I hoped to learn a lot from the diversity of the tutors and colleagues in this course. Due to the fact that, the study has discussion schedules, where we meet with classmates to discuss, I hoped to learn more on communication and presentation skills. I can confirm that, my hopes were confirmed after beginning the lessons for this study. The biggest differences I realized that exist between the lectures and tutorial is that, the lectures are a bit sketchy in terms of learning time and details whereas the tutorials offer fine details about a topic thus making understanding easy. In the case of the modules, they are useful since they offer students the opportunities to learn more details about a given lecture. In addition, the modules have practice questions, which help learners to internalize the topics learnt in class. I have had access to the module on the MyBeckett and I can confirm that it is beneficial in terms of offering more details about the study. In addition, the module handbooks help me plan for my classes. WEEKLY REFLECTIONS WEEK 1: Business and the Functionality of the Global Market I was the first in class during my first time in a health and safety subject. I had to wait a little bit for the tutor and students to arrive. It was not a good experience, since the duration was so long that I felt uncomfortable. My boredom came because for the past ten years I have not attended a single class due to the work obligations. In some cases, I found myself confusing the time for classes with respective halls or venues. This kind of confusion characterized my first week in the British University. Therefore, first day in class and I am asking myself a number of questions about HSE (Health and Safety Executive). I have high hopes for this HSE subject. During this lesson, I learned about global business market and its particulars. I was motivated and I listened to each word the lecturer said. Basically the content of the lecture involved business and how the global market works. I learned that a business has to meet specific requirements (based on specific country regulations) for it to operate globally. The questions I had such as the role played by social media in the global market have all been answered in this class, and I feel like I have the necessary knowledge about HSE that will facilitate my success in this course and what I will study this coming semester. Action plan The definitions of HSE are handled from this topic, and I can promise on this fact that forgetting about HSE is not easy. The Health and Safety Executive is a very important position in corporate life as it streamlines the mode of operations and eases the work by ensuring employees adhere to given rules. Cultural experiences and learning styles In many occasions corporations have been involved in shameful activities such as lifting heavy products that have exposed the lives of their employees to a big risk and escaped scot-free through unfair court rulings, which d no consider the troubles of the victims. WEEK 2: Global Business Environment I could not make it to my class on this day due to disagreeing timetable that will be used as from the next class. In the case of questions, while writing my summary, I realize that I do not know what the global business environment means. The answer to this question is positive, and as I finalize on writing this statement, I realize that I can indeed define HSE and associate to our today's modern global business environment. In addition, the cultural experiences included the assumption of the business environment on a diverse shape across the international arena based on my argument on ethical measures, rules and regulation and the type of business that forms a sizeable part of our discussion in class. Further, the Interactions with the lecturer and the content of the lecture revealed that during the learning period, the lecturer noted that the course discusses global markets and trade partnerships and seeks to highlight how global business environment covers ethical issues that companies face today such as human rights and diversity in the workplace. I also learned of the cultural business aspects that international business students possess and its importance in executing this course until the end. I was motivated by the lecture and learnt a lot concerning the cultural differences in business etiquette and how culture can be authoritative in negotiating styles and business practice. Action plans Armed with a new exposure, I do not think that I will benefit from the notes as writing is the new in thing. WEEK 3: Framework for Health and Safety under Criminal Law During this third week, I decide to attend the class as usual. The first thing I am viewing is that HSE has set precedence for the execution of corporate related jobs and ensured that employees are into consideration before the realization and maximization of profits. I was motivated by the knowledge that most corporations are profit oriented organizations that care less about the welfare of their employees. The framework for health and safety is under the protection by the confines of Criminal Law. On the other hand, my learning trend continued to expand. For example, I am now happy that I know the primary function of a criminal court, is to allocate punishment to law offenders. In the same regard, it has the powers to award compensation to a victim or any person who suffers injuries in their line of work or any other activity. This act of compensation shows the real-time application of the HSE objectives. In making a follow-up, In the event of a criminal case, Health and Safety Executive and local environmental health officer in collaboration with the local police department will enforce and pursue offenders respectively. The lesions for this week were in line with my culture. Action plans As my third week in class, it is a good way to start off the semester. I learn a few things here and there about laws and regulations that govern the practice and application of HSE. WEEK 4: Real Time Application of HSE During this class, we refer to a real-time application of HSE for a company whose employees died in their line of work. Through newspaper cuttings, an updated list of all the court proceedings is included in my research. I learn that Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a module that holds corporate and individual companies responsible for any failure that happens on their side. Through the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) holds companies criminally liable for any death resulting from gross failings and recklessness in the management of Health and Safety. Through the four deaths discussed in the BBC Journal arising from pure neglect of responsibility occur and it takes time some bunch of time before compensation reaches the victim's family. However, HSE in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution(s) all over the world have set out for a change in the corporate sector. In my research, I established that HSE is seeking to bring change and yield justice to the families of the victims who are involved in cases of manslaughter. Under the enforcement objectives, the duty holders should be consistent, and any duty holder who breaches the HSE objectives is held to account by the HSE regulations. This paper will seek to examine the ways through which HSE works and coordinates its activities throughout. WEEK 5: System of Work and Associated Principles in Stations This is my fifth day in class where the Health and Safety Executive seeks to introduce a safe system of work in each working station. HSE challenges the target audience to reason beyond the present and mind about the future. We learn that HSE as a lobbying body ensures that employers have safe systems of work in place that appoints well-resourced and competent officials who are responsible for the day to day activities of a given corporate firm. The success and prosperity of these safe systems depend on a Pentagon of doctrines defined below. Principle of rationing This principle ensures that the enforcement action is relative to the level of risk. The simplified meaning of this principle is that those who are protected by the law and those whom the law tasks them with the duty are hopeful of an action that is fair, accommodating to the health and safety risk. Principle of aiming This principle ensures that enforcement action is focused or rather targeted on projects whose activities in most times accrue to very serious risks or where hazards are less well controlled Principle of uniformity of approach This principle based on the argument of taking a similar approach in similar circumstances. However, this principle is far fetched from creating uniformity as it does not necessarily imply uniformity but achieving better safety outcomes Principle of clearness Transparency, something is not common among many corporate executives in different departments and fields, is an open manner or approaching issues such that an individual does not raise eyebrows when executive a given duty. Principle of responsibility This principle confirms that the regulators are held accountable to the public by an Act of Parliament for their actions. Enforcers of the HSE objectives must have policies and standards that can be run through the public spectrum to evaluate their effectiveness. WEEK 6: Anatomy of Construction Site accidents In this class we leant that the injuries and deaths are on course in high levels and there is need for change. The lecture was informative of the hazardous nature of the construction industry which has continually breached against H&S. The tutor noted with great concern that any breach relative to the H&S was a criminal offense. In addition, we learnt about various conditions in terms of data relative to the past state of the industry. The style of teaching was informative. In the case of cultural integration, I confirm that I getting along with the new culture was not easy. I experienced a few problems like observing time management and operating within a tight schedule. Attending classes with different people who are inclined to divergent opinions was troublesome. In understanding that culture is a complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and other capabilities that are acquired by man, I had trouble dealing with different types of foods but I am glad that I’ve adapted to the new cultural setting. WEEK 7: The Progression of the Construction Process In this class we learnt on the progression trend of the construction process. We learnt that the industry has continually experienced expansive range of creativity in terms of construction designs and equipment. On a similar note, we learnt that some requirements are technical to assemble and they require a vast base of experience that is aligned to the modern technology. In making reference to my active participation in class and my intensified interest on Health, Safety and environmental management, I plan to share my knowledge with a few of my class members, particularly on this subtopic, where I need to hear the views of my class mates concerning modernization and use of technology in this construction industry. In terms of the action plan on this class I ensured that the definitions of HSE are handled from this topic were at my finger tips and whenever, I went through my tutor’s notes, I would easily find the meaning. I learnt that following what one leant in class with the aim of noticing the finer details is an easier way of grasping even the difficulty terms. In addition, the writing notes in point form helped me to understand the complex part of t his class. WEEK 8: Case on Corporate Killing I was among the first students to attend this class and as we were waiting for the tutor, we answered some questions of the previous class that related to the progression of the construction process. I realized that the construction industry has undergone numerous stages of evolutions to reach its present state. In this class took time to learn about the case of the corporate killing firm where, the judge ordered the firm to advertise the conviction. In this case the company was fined 8 pounds while the director was fined 183 pounds. I learnt that the directors bear great responsibility in the event that an accident has occurred and a life is lost. I followed the case closely and realized that the judicial system is helping transform the construction industry by imposing stern fines ion the offenders particularly the managers and directors of the companies. My analysis on this case made reflect on the necessity of the directors to be very keen and always follow the H&S regulations whenever they are working. In the case of the cultural integration, I have learned on how to embrace cultural diversity in my place of work. I have also improved my knowledge on Health and Safety Executive as my dominant unit of study. WEEK 9: Examined the court case of Peter Lind and Co In this class we took time to examine the court case of Per Lind and Co. Limited. Lind is a civil engineer. The case, further gave insight on the necessity of the contractor and engineers to follow the H&S regulations. We learnt that the judicially takes every step in ensuring that the construction industry is operated by sane and professional individuals. This case was clear and I found no question to ask. In the case of cultural integration, I found out that I am able to embrace cultural diversity in my place of work. In this class, I learnt that even when I will be through with my course and go back to work I should embrace high level of professionalism since lack of it may cause great harm. In addition, I learnt that protocol is of great essence, in matter related to the safety of employees or workers in any construction site. This implies that, the top engineers should give a well structured plan on the work to be done and always ensure that they supervise every bit to ensure that the correct procedures are followed. This maximizes the safety of the workers. I have also improved my knowledge on Health and Safety Executive as my dominant unit of study WEEK 10: Corporate Manslaughter In this class we learnt deeply on the case of the corporate manslaughter relative to the Corporate Homicide Act 2007. In this case the Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings Ltd is accused of the death of Alexander Wright. This case adds on the necessity of the directors of the companies to follow the laid down rules and regulations relative to the H&S. through this case, we learnt that the courts are devoted to return sanity in the construction industry. In addition, I learned that it addressed occupational hazards from a human point of view where it placed the employees who were injured while in their line of duty into a sharp focus by highlighting what should be done. I learnt more details about the Environmental health policy which gives details about the employees’ modular operandi. In addition, the policy gives insight on the aspects of Nanotechnology, environmental health and safety risks, regulation and management was inspirational as it guided me through the whole unit of study and improved my knowledge on the subject matter. In the case of the cultural integration, I found out that I am able to embrace cultural diversity amongst my classmates. WEEK 11: Aftermath of an Accident In this class we learnt that, most organizations do have adequate knowledge on the manner in which they need to act in the event of an accident. Some organizations do not have first aid kitties. This class opened my mind on the necessity to be equipped with skills of saving lives in the event of an accident. For instance, when an accident has happened, the workers need to close the site immediately in respect of the deceased. The directors will be required to commence a self investigation over the causes of the accident. In addition, I learnt that, the directors have a responsibility to use the finances to investigate an incident and compare their report with that of the police. Further, the directors are responsible of giving an explanation to the family of the deceased or injured on the causes of the incident. In the case of fatalities, the directors need to sue the company’s finances to pay for the hospital and other expenditures that may be associated with the incident. In the case of cultural integration, I found out that I am able to cope well with my colleagues whose backgrounds are so diverse and this helped me to increase my level of communication and presentation. WEEK 12: Wider reading on the safety breaches In this class we took time to explore various reading cases on the safety breaches and the attributed consequences. We learnt that no safety breach can be safe to human life. Every mistake committed in terms of breaching the regulations comes along with a certain penalty to the victims. For instance, in the case of a teenager who recovered in hospital after being trapped under heavy blocks of soil in a 20 ft deep trench. This case elicited our emotions and sensitivity towards any safety breach. In the case of the cultural integration, I found out that I am able to embrace cultural diversity amongst my classmates as well as work mates. I learnt a lot of information in this study and I am now able to integrate the theoretical knowledge acquired into practical applications. This class has so far seen me improve in technical situational analysis and I believe that I am prepared these skills back at my work place. I am now able to see different situations from different perspectives and this will help me offer a better opinion over an issue related to safety breaches. PART 4: DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR I need to improve my analytical skills and attributed situational interpretation Increase the level of communication and presenting ideas and also improve my referencing skills in various styles such as APA, HARVARD and MLA. This will go a long way to helping me format and present my work in a professional way. Increasing my level of knowledge relative to this study by wide research on similar topics but in different areas or nations. This will help me have a wide scope of the study particularly on the application section. I will develop these points through research on the topic and the study in general Attend group discussions with my colleagues and engage them in relevant situational analysis and interpretation. With this preparation , I am confident that I will attain my set goals in this study I will also endeavor in interacting with various specialist in this filed for more information on serious situations of H&S PART 5: CONCLUSION The whole unit of study was comprehensive, a fact that has made me to possess an informed decision about health and safety executive. I had problems at first in adapting with the cultural differences, learning styles and relating with people who possess divergent view points. As of now, I have maintained a close relationship with these people which I believe will strengthen our ties in the job market. I had high hopes during the inception of this unit and all these were met during the class period and also in my individual learning process.. As of now, I believe that the modules were tailor made to address the existing need and thirst for information from individuals like me. They were comprehensive and user friendly, easy to understand and did supplement the missing bit of information in the lecturer’s notes that he administered during normal class time. It is true that I am motivated and greatly inspired to commence my next academic year. I found the unit of study interesting and relevant to my line of work. I would advice all students that are joining school for this unit to develop interest and create a bond with the lecturer. This will put you at ease and improve your knowledge and interest for the unit of study. PART 6: APPENDIX WEEK 1 1- Global Market: International market where trade takes place (In the global market, there are always a series of price fluctuations) 2-Scot-free: to avoid punishment for doing something that deserves punishment (The corporate company escaped from an insurance company scot-free) 3-Far-fetched: difficult to believe because it is very unlikely (The dream of buying a corporate office is far-fetched) 4-Streamline: to improve a business, organization, process, etc. by making it more modern or simple (We all need to streamline our activities for success) 5-Scandalous: When something that is scandalous is shocking because it involves immoral or dishonest behavior (The manager was involved in a very gruesome scandalous project) WEEK 2 1-Affirmative: the word ‘yes', or a sign that you agree with something. (After discussing with the HRM, the answer to my numerous questions was affirmative) 2-Diversity: the fact that very different people or things exist within a group or place. (Our Company embraces so much diversity in its job allocation) 3-Transformational: a change into someone or something completely different, or the process by which this happens (I believe in transformational leadership other than transactional leadership) 4-Etiquette: a set of rules for behaving correctly in social situations (Corporate firms work in line with etiquette) WEEK 3 1-Precedence: a more important position or status than something or someone else, or the right to a more important position or status. (Quarrels over precedence were inevitable) 2-Mint: the place where a country makes its coins and paper money. (They cost a mint, but they are well worth the money) 3-Corporate: relating to large companies, or to a particular large company. Is (There a corporate identity shared by all African countries?) 4-Enforce: to make sure that a law or rule is obeyed by the people. (Armed militias were sent into the area to enforce the treaty) 5-Pursue: to follow a course of action. (I will pursue a doctorate in philosophy in three years’ time) WEEK 4 1-Manslaughter: the crime of causing someone's death illegally, but without intending to. (Through the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007, the judgment is tied) 2-Homicide: the crime of killing someone, murder. (His brother was the first suspect in the homicide) 3-Liable: Legally responsible for causing damage or injury, so that you have to pay something or be punished. (Everyone who is caught trespassing is liable for any lost property) 4-Neglect: to fail to look after someone when you are responsible for them. (The child's death was a result of the doctor's neglect) 5-Journal: a magazine containing articles relating to a particular subject or profession. (Our organization publishes a monthly journal for the staff) WEEK 5 1-Proportionality: a voting system based on party votes. (The proportionality to the awards was biased)’ 2-Accountability: Responsibility. (Accountability is an essential virtue that every firm should assign to its people) 3-Transparency: an honest way of doing things that allow other people to know exactly what you are doing. (Transparency is important to any business) 4-Spectrum: the whole range of ideas, qualities, situations, etc. that are possible. (The parties at the center of the political spectrum) 5-Doctrines: a set of principles or beliefs, especially religious or political ones. (The Christian doctrine of the resurrection) WEEK 6 Proportionality – a system of voting in which the number of representatives in government from each political party is based on the number of votes each party receives Example: The proportionality to the awards was biased Accountability – The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents or funds. Example: Accountability is an essential virtue that every firm should assign to to its people. Manslaughter – It is an act of killing a human being unlawfully, but not willfully as opposed to murder. Example: The Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007 protect the employees while in their line of duty. Proportionality – It is the principle that government action ought to be proportional to the ends achieved. Example: The military should not be deployed to stop petty vandalism. Corporate – Relating to large companies, or to a particular large company. Example: Some companies are introducing ethics into their corporate culture in a big way. Reference Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. WEEK 7 Lobbying – To try to influence politicians or people in authority on a particular subject Example: The Health, Safety and Executive as a lobbying body ensures that employers have safe systems of work in place. Liable - legally responsible for causing damage or injury, so that you have to pay something or be punished Example: If something goes wrong, you’ll be liable. Gross - extreme and unreasonable Example: That is a gross distortion of the truth Constraint – Something that limits your freedom to do what you want Example: The organization has to operate within the usual democratic constraints. Integral – Forming an essential part of something and needed to make it complete Example: The scene is not really integral to the plot. Reference Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. WEEK 8 Compel – To force someone to do something Example: The order compelled him to appear as a witness Intent – The intention to do something Example: The organization has declared its intent to lease a third of its property Involuntary – Happening or done without being intended Example: An involuntary gasp. Manslaughter – The crime of causing someone’s death illegally but without intending to Example: The killing was termed as corporate manslaughter Act - a law passed by a country’s government Example: The controversial security bill is now an act of parliament References Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. WEEK 10 Breach – A failure to follow a law or a rule Example: The Company was found to be in breach of environmental regulations. Negligence – Failure to give care or attention especially when this causes harm or damage Example: The death of the employee was caused by the doctor’s negligence. Procurator – A lawyer who works for the government and decides whether there is enough evidence to put someone on trial for crime. Example: The procurator fiscal service is available in Scotland Remedial – Intended to improve or correct something Example: Remedial action must be taken for the protection of environmental health. Seizure – The action of taking control of something Example: The seizure of the British Embassy References Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. WEEK 11 Module – One of the separate units of a course of study Example: The module handbook provides a fine-tuned bit of information to the students Deficiency - A fault in someone or something that makes them not good enough Example: Problems caused by deficiencies in the maintenance program Compliance – The practice of obeying a law, rule, or request Example: Strategies to force compliance with air quality standards Peculiar – Strange, often in an unpleasant way Example: He told me a host peculiar story Dubious – Not completely good, safe, or honest Example: The story seemed a bit dubious to us References Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. WEEK 12 Liquidator – Someone whose job is to liquidate a company so that it can pay money that it owes. Example: The organization was dissolved through a liquidator. Vet – To check someone’s character or reputation to find out if they are suitable for a particular job Example: They have to individuals who will lead the organization Reiterate – To repeat something in order to emphasize it or make it very clear to people. Example: To reiterate a breach of duty affirmed by an absolute liability would not entertain any defense. Quantum – A unit used for measuring very small amounts of energy Example: Quantum of solace. Statutory – Controlled by state or law Example: A statutory minimum wage References Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners CD-ROM 2nd Edition. CD-ROM © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2007. Text © A&C Black Publishers Ltd 2007. Top of Form Bottom of Form Read More