Health & safety scorecard launched

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has launched a new online tool to help company directors manage health & safety effectively with the minimum of fuss. The tool has been backed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

The scorecard, sponsored by Travelers, a property and liability insurer, has been developed in response to increasing survey evidence from company boards of the need for pragmatic help in setting and monitoring key performance indicators across their business.

The scorecard identifies a mix of measures that reflect a company's performance in the past, and how prepared it is to manage risks and comply with legislation in the future. Straightforward traffic light reporting then enables directors to focus their attention where it is most needed across their business.

The scorecard, which is aimed at all organisations not just manufacturing companies, includes step-by-step guidance, worked examples and benchmark statistics as well as a pro forma report that businesses can download and use.

Steve Pointer, head of health and safety policy at EEF said: “There is increasing evidence that hardpressed directors need more help with setting meaningful targets and then monitoring them. This means having the right information presented in a rapidly digestible format which will help them make strategic decisions. The scorecard does exactly that and will provide a valuable tool for companies and organisations of all sizes and across all business sectors.”

Keith Purvis, general manager, UK for Travelers Insurance Company., added: “Managing health and safety risks in the workplace is a continuous process, and we are delighted to be supporting this initiative and helping companies to better monitor their health and safety performance.”

HSE chief executive, Geoffrey Podger commented: “Getting health and safety right in the work place starts with a commitment from those at the top. This tool assists senior management to do it in a straightforward, practical way, helping them set a range of meaningful targets on the key risks the organisation faces and allowing progress to be measured and reviewed. Strong leadership helps the whole organisation maintain a focus on the real health and safety issues, rather then those that are trivial.

Explicit, workable targets can also help staff see the important role they play in contributing to a safe workplace."

The tool is free to access online at: www.eef.org.uk/scorecard