Question:
Company and Project Description Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd employs 50 people and is proposing to build five new houses on a plot of land in the small village of Godric’s Hollow. Within the village, there has been vocal opposition to the development and the local Member of Parliament (MP) has raised concerns with the local Council’s Planning department. Focussing on the three matters bullet-pointed immediately below, the CEO of the company has asked you to compile a report that addresses the eight points in the brief below.
Bullet Point Matters
• health and safety (H&S),
• environmental (E), and
• socio-political (S/P),
Brief – Eight Points to Address 1.
The identification and description of the stages in the proposed construction project.
2. With respect to H&S, E and S/P, a critical analysis as to the choice of suitable hazard identification system.
3. With reference to each of the project stages characterised in 1 above, the identification and description of the main H&S, E and S/P hazards associated with each stage. Each hazard identified should have possible controls (mitigating actions) identified. This section could be addressed in tabular form
4. The identification and analysis of relevant management systems, describing how they could be used as tools for managing the hazards associated with H&S, E and S/P matters above.
5. With respect H&S, E and S/P issues, a critical analysis and evaluation of the effect management systems may have on organisational performance (note, the evidence may result in different conclusions for different management systems and issues).
6. With respect to the management systems identified and analysed in 4 and 5 above, a critical analysis of the potential for integration and its possible effect on performance.
7. With respect to the issues under consideration, the identification of the main pieces of legislation pertaining to the overall project and a brief explanation as to why they are relevant.
8. With the use of relevant examples, an analysis and evaluation of the relationship between risk management and business continuity, and an indication as to how business continuity could be incorporated into an overall strategy for risk management.
Answer:
. Introduction:
The Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd. Proposed to build 5 new houses in a small village named Godric’s Hallow. However, the political department of the village raised few concerns after knowing the proposal. The Company CEO asked the safety manager of the company to compile the important issues regarding health and risks to analyze the risks. The main three issues include the health and safety issues, environmental issues and socio- economical issues.
In case of a business, the organization needs to be careful about the risks factors and important factors to control the risks and as well as other important factors of the risks. The risk assessment is not all about the creation of huge amounts of the paperwork (Stave and Wald 2016). However, it is necessary to identify the risks at first and then measure the controls of the risks in the workplace. After the paperwork, it is necessary to0 implement the control measurements in the workplace.
However, the proposed construction project has various steps that help to plan the project. In the project, the initial stage is to identify the hazard identification system. In the second phase, the risk factors are discussed, which include the risks factors and issues as well as the control of those risks. The use of the hazard management tool is discussed. The hazard management tool has effect on the management system that is discussed. The hazard management has various legislations, which are focused. The assignment discusses the relationship between the business continuity and risk factors.
2. Identified risks and controls
| Factors | Risk factors/ issues | Control |
| Health and safety | Workplace violence: the workplace violence is one of the dangerous risks that need to be controlled (Hamel 2014).
Falls: the employees may have fall risks and as a result physical harm may occur (Xiang et al. 2015). Toxic events: exposure to the toxic events like gas and chemicals are harmful for the employees (Animashaun and Odeku 2014). Non fatal injuries: another health and safety issue is overexertion and the ergonomic problems. Educational awareness and education: the employees need to be educated and aware that can decrease the risks. |
To avoid the health and safety issues, the employees and management need to be educated that will help in managing the risks. To avoid the risks, the safety precaution needs to be used (Bahn 2013). Moreover, the management needs to arrange training for the employees so that the risks can be avoided. If the employees become exposed to toxic substance, then immediate steps needs to be taken. The first aid system needs to be kept in the workplace to avoid the harms. It is necessary to take proper action to reduce the stress of the employees so that they work freely and avoid the risks. |
| Environmental factors | The environmental issues became the concern of the management of the companies.
Climate change: the climate change can affect the employees. Before building the houses in the village, the management needs to examine the place and climate and take proper action so that the climate change cannot affect the employees (Xiang et al. 2015). Hazards from garbage: another issue that affects the employees is the hazards from the garbage. The garbage may contain hazardous substances that create various health issues in the employees (Hamel 2014). |
To control the risks, the company management needs to consult with the government guidance. This will help to reduce the risk exposure. The management can hire environmental consultants in managing the environmental issues in the workplace. Moreover, the employees need to be trained to fight against the environmental risks in the workplace. The management needs to educate the employees so that they can control the risks. The employees need to know the EPA guidelines for the environmental management in the workplace (Bahn 2013). The garbage needs to be cleaned on the daily regular basis so that it cannot affect the employees. |
| Socio- political factors | Workplace politics can damage the environment of the workplace. This can include the violence and harms for the employees (Hamel 2014). The political employees have powers, which they can use in the negative way and harm other employees. This type of practices in the workplace is unethical. This can manipulate the employees and can affect badly the relationship in between the employees (Hsu et al. 2016). This can reduce the profit of the business and company may face huge loss due to the politics in between the employees. | To reduce the harms regarding the socio- political factors, the management needs to look into the problems of the employees. They need to discuss the problems of the employees and arrange training for them. Moreover, to reduce the stress of the4 employees, the management can arrange fun activity for the employees (Bahn 2013). This can help the employees to reduce the socio- political issues in the workplace. |
Table 1: Identified risks and controls
3. Hazard assessment and management tool
The key purpose of this Hazard Management Tool is to provide a systematic approach for identifying, assessing and managing hazards as well as to monitor the ongoing effectiveness of the control measures (Holt and Allen 2015). There are several types of hazards present in a workplace, which can significantly harm employees and the workplace performance. Thus, integration of a hazard identification and management tool is necessary for ensuring the health and safety as well as maximized organizational performance. It would reduce the number of injury or fatal incidents related to the workplace. Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of workers, whereas the workers also have the responsibility to identify and report any kinds of hazard in the workplace (Australia 2011).
Figure: Hazard management tool
(Source: www.osg.ca 2017)
This tool is undertaken in four steps, in the first step, the hazard is being identified. In the next step, the hazard is being assessed, in the third step the control measure is being undertaken and then evaluation of the control measures is done.
Step 1: Recognizing hazards
Here the issues or problems, indicated as hazards are identified. Three columns, i.e. column A, B, C in this context are being filled with the information about the hazards. In the first column the activity causing hazard, in the next column the hazard groups, which can cause injury are identified, which can be people, equipment, materials, environment and processes. In the third column the potential hazards that can cause the worker injury or illness are being identified, which have been already demonstrated in the above mentioned table (Ericson 2015).
Step 2: Assess hazards
The next three column of the hazard management tool, i.e. column D, E and F is filled with the information regarding assessment of hazards. The first column estimates the probability of a hazard to cause injury or illness. For this, nature of exposure, number of workers exposed, and time spent exposed, how often they are exposed as well as historical data need to be considered. A hazard’s probability to cause injury is rated in high, medium and low level. In the next column, the severity of the harm caused by a hazard is measured. This is estimated in three ratings, i.e. major, moderate and minor (Cerf et al. 2011). The major rating indicates fatal consequences. The third column considers the risk from the particular hazard by combining the probability of injury and severity of injury.
Figure: Risk evaluation chart
(Source: www.osg.ca 2017)
Step 3: Control hazard
In the next three columns i.e. column G, H, and I, the process through which the identified hazards are controlled are analyzed. In the first column, the legal requirements and standards that are being applied to the identified hazards, work processes and work activities are demonstrated, which are needed to control those hazards. The management team needs to ensure that all the legislative authorities and standards are followed. In the next column, the existing systems and procedures practiced in the organizational framework for controlling or eliminating the hazard are measured (www.osg.ca 2017). Finally, in the last column, the future actions that are needed to be undertaken by the authority for managing or controlling the hazards are demonstrated. These measures can include substituting with other materials, processes or equipment, eliminating the hazard, increasing awareness about hazards and controls, using administrative controls and using personal protective equipment.
Step 4: Evaluate hazards
In the last three columns, the hazard management is evaluated. This is mainly the re-assessment of the hazard and control measure, which is being used once the control measures are implemented in the workplace. Finally, communicating and ongoing monitoring of the hazards and control measures are needed to be undertaken in appropriate way to maximize the success rate of the hazard assessment and management tool (Pinto et al. 2011).
4. Effect of the risks on the management system
The main purpose of the risk assessment tool is to ensure that all the risks and hazards that are associated with the work of any organization can be minimized. It is also important to monitor the risks that are associated with the overall process. Jespersen and Hasle (2016), have mentioned in the context that it is possible to have better reputation of a business organization by improving the process of risk assessment.
The risk assessment process is mainly associated with positive effects in the business which helps an organization to increase the rate of productivity and also ensure that all the workers can perform in a safe and healthy environment. Hence positive health of the employees is the primary effect of risk management system. The jobs which are involved with high level of risk like construction work of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, positive health effect can improve the rate of performance of the workers and also help to boost the level of confidence. Healthy environment can also provide high rate of satisfaction among the employees which motivate them to focus on their work and also ensure that they take enough protection from the risks.
An effective risk management policy also includes high level of efficiency among the workers. The employees can also get the benefit of Health Insurance which can provide them financial support during the time of distress. The risk of exposure to hazardous activities that are involved in Construction Company can also increase the reputation of the workplace. Therefore with the help of Health Insurance service that is provided to the Employees the socio economic status of the workers can also be improved with the help of risk management system (Chang 2016).
For a construction company it is important to ensure that the rate of production is regularly increased which can be achieved only by reducing the risk that are involved in the construction work. Čulin and Mustać (2015), have added in the context that risk management system can also ensure that the production line is maintained. This allows the construction company to improve their rate of production without increasing the chance of any hazards.
In case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, the risk management tool can also reduced the chance of environmental damages that is associated with construction work. It is also possible to discover the best possible way to reduce harmful effects of construction waste. The excess products are waste that is generated from the site of construction is generally one of the main cause of environmental hazards. The risk management system can ensure that all the waste products are properly treated before they are being exposed to the environment.
It is also possible to manage the political situation of the local place what the construction is taking place. If the risks that are associated with the construction of reduce significantly the political challenges and opposition that exist in the local environment can be reduced significantly.
5. Critical analysis of the potential integration and effect on performance
It is important for a business organization to integrate the tools of risk assessment along with the effects that can have a positive impact due to the implication of risk assessment tool on the performance level of an organization. In case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, the integration of the risk assessment tools along with risk management techniques can help them to overcome all socio-political challenges that they have to face while construction of house in the Godric hollow. According to Baard et al. (2014), integrated risk management practice can help an organization to not only deal with the current risk but also predict the upcoming risks of the future. Hence it is possible for a company to make future planning for longer sustainability and maintaining the reputation in the market. The potential of this integration process can help to improve the production rate of the company and also ensure that the skills of the workers improve on and that can be passed by to the new workers are employed in the company.
The integrated risk management can extend to develop the structure of the organization and also enhance the cultural diversity. It is the duty of the organization to ensure that the cultural diversity in the workplace is maintained which will help to encourage workers to improve upon their skills and also work in different official environment (Goetsch and Davis 2014). With the help of most of the risk assessment tools, it is possible to improve upon the techniques of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, which will enable them to work in the hostile environment of the Godric’s Hollow. It will be possible for the company to deal with all the environmental and socio-economic challenges that are faced in the rural environment while doing the work of construction.
With the first step of identifying potential risk with proper risk assessment tools it is possible for a company to make plan for proper risk management. Hence with this process it is possible to take precautions from the first hand against all hazardous and unfavorable what place condition. As all risks have been identified it is possible for the company to apply risk management tools. The employees of the company can also gain white and knowledge about the risk and hazard that are associated with the workplace and hence take necessary precautions during the time of walking activities. Assessment of the risk can also help the company to identify the source of the race can also take necessary precautions. It is also possible to distinguish between the internal and external risks within an organization. It is therefore expected from the company that they will use separate risk assessment and management techniques to deal with possible adverse outcomes that is caused from internal and external sources.
In case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, most of the risks are from external sources which have been associated with environmental degradation factors and also socio-economic risks. Hence, with the process of integration it is possible for them to improve the working potential and also business opportunity that is associated with their construction project in Godric’s Hollow.
6. Identification of legislations
The Government of UK has passed strict legislative laws to ensure that the environment society and political scenario of an area is protected from all kinds of risk associated with construction activities and other workplace activities. It is also important for the legislative body to ensure that proper health and safety environment is maintained in the workplace and the health status of all the workers doing hazardous activities is not compromise.
The protection of the environment has been one of the prime concerns of risk assessment laws that have been passed by the government of UK. There is a complete set of laws that has been implemented in order to process the risk assessment tools and also ensure that they are fully utilized in all Construction activities which are associated with various kinds of health hazards. As the work of construction is associated with exposure of high level of hazardous chemicals that can cause potential harm to the environment it is the duty of the legislative body to ensure that all the chemicals of construction are carefully treated. The Environmental Protection Act has been implemented in the context, where all the safety rules regarding protection of the environment have been implemented. It is the duty of every business organization to abide by the clauses of the environmental protection act which will ensure that they do not violate the environmental laws. For a company like Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, by following to the clauses of Environmental Protection Act it is possible for them to ensure that the housing construction project do not cause any harm to the local environment of the village.
The Government of UK has also passed laws to ensure that all workers in a company get proper medical treatment from Healthcare insurance and life insurance in case of extreme cases. Under the clause of employment act it is the duty of every company to provide free medical check up to all workers in case they get ill during the time of the duty or due to any hazard in the workplace. It is also important for the legislative body to ensure that all workers get proper compensation if there are any health issues faced by workers during the time of duty. It is also the duty of the risk management legislation committee to ensure that there is no political interference in any business activities. In case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd it is the duty to evaluate the political influence that can effect in the risk management process. With the help of implication of risk management legal act it is possible for the company to ensure that they overcome all the political challenges associated with the work of their construction project. They can also ensure that no harm is done to the local environment and also the local people of the village where the site of construction is taking place. By abiding with the legal rules, it is possible for the construction company to ensure that all legal risks are minimized and all the workers can get full benefits with minimal level of risks (Suter 2016).
7. Relationship between risk factors and business continuity
According to Järveläinen (2013), business continuity management is primarily based on risk assessment techniques that are used by various companies. The primary focus of business continuity is to minimize the risks that are involved in the workplace of a business organization. The business continuity of an organization can be defined as the way they can deliver high quality product that is acceptable by the customers and which has been free from all types of disputes. With the ISO labeling, a company can ensure that the qualities of the products are of reliable and not associated with any form of risk. The application of risk management is one of the prime elements of business continuity which will ensure that the company can sustain all the hazard and unfavorable business conditions. It is the important for all successful business organization to prepare for all catastrophic events that can cause harm to the environment and also to the health of the workers. The political risks are also a major threat to the Future sustainability of a company.
In the given case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, the construction project at the village received a major threat from political challenges and risks that are associated with it. Hence, in the case, for the company to ensure continuity of the construction project, it is important for them to evaluate the risks that are associated with the work of construction and also with the fact that they faced several socio-economic and political challenges. The principles of business continuity need to be applied in the scenario to ensure that high quality of construction work is guaranteed from the company. It is also their duty to ensure that the healths of all the construction workers are not compromised due to the hazardous activities of the construction work. It is the duty of the company workers also to abide by the legal rules of risk assessment tools and management system, which will help to ensure that all adverse effects can be avoided. Hence, the case of Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd, a strong link between the business continuity and risk management can be established.
Conclusion
The key issue that has been concentrated in this assignment is that Flitwick Housing Construction Ltd. attempted to open five new houses in a small village. In this context, the management team wanted to ensure that the health and safety measures are properly embedded in place. In this context, a suitable hazard identification and management tool has been selected; the key risks and controls are described. In the next step the effects of implementing this hazard assessment and management tool on the organizational performance of the organization, the key legislations applicable for the management of hazards and risks associated with health and safety of employees has been demonstrated. Finally, the relationship between the identified risk factors with the business sustainability and progress has also been demonstrated briefly.
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