Review of change, during and after

Management needs to accept that not every risk can be avoided. Some can only be managed or reduced. Decide which risks can be avoided altogether, then start plans to reduce or manage those that cannot.

Find out whether the change is feasible in the circumstances. Management can ask: can the change be made with the least possible danger, or do the hazards outweigh the rewards?

Carry out a pre-startup safety review (PSSR). This is a thorough review of equipment and related processes to make sure safety measures are in place. It is most often used in processes involving chemicals, and it works like a check of a whole rocket before take-off.

The organisation must carry out the change knowing the risks in advance and how they may affect the workers. Responsible leadership should help employees through the difficult process of change without putting them in danger.

Everyone involved, and all the managers who will run the new processes, should be well trained in the new procedures. More knowledge and hands-on training means fewer mishaps, or less serious consequences when something fails.

Summary notes for Element 3 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.